Behind on utilities? Facing a shut-off?
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Last updated: October 8, 2026
Cunningham Township may pay toward past-due power, water, or sewer bills for Urbana residents who are shut off or facing an imminent shut-off, have exhausted all other resources, and are unable to fully afford the arrears.
Eligibility:
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Have a shut-off or imminent shut-off for power, water, or sewer.
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Must be willing to do a payment plan.
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Have not received any CTSO utility assistance in the past 12 months.
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Lives within the township borders OR with an Urbana address AND with children in Urbana Schools.
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Have exhausted all other utility assistance options: LIHEAP, LIWAP, Salvation Army (217-373-7832), doctor’s note for medical need for utilities, etc.
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If these programs are open, proof of denial must be submitted.
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NOTE: If you are a current participant in CTSO programs, please contact your case manager directly with your request.
Amount:
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CTSO will provide the minimum amount due on the balance in order to set up a payment plan or to turn the utility back on, up to $350. If the balance exceeds CTSO’s payment, then a paydown by the participant must be made before CTSO makes its portion of the payment.
Apply by submitting your bill, shut-off notice, and denials from other organizations to info@ctso.org. Please call 217-384-4144 or stop by 205 W. Green St. in Urbana across from the library if you have any questions.
It is always a good idea to call the utility company and negotiate a payment plan before a shutoff occurs:
- Ameren Illinois – 1-800-755-5000
- Illinois American Water – 1-800-422-2782
Did you know… ?
In Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), Cunningham Township awarded $86,324 of utility assistance to 283 households. Awards, on average, were $305 per household.