Increase in Utility Assistance for Low-Income Rochelle Residents

ROCHELLE – The City of Rochelle plans to increase its utility assistance credit from $500 to $750 per year for qualifying residential households, responding to rising power costs. The program offers financial help to homes where total adult income falls at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Since 2022, participation has grown from 73 customers receiving $36,500 in aid to 216 customers and $108,000 in 2024. So far in 2025, 154 households have received $77,000 in credits. The Rochelle City Council voted in favor of the changes to the program on Monday night.