Ameren announces Mobile Command Centers
Ameren Illinois is attempting to shorten the length of power outages with the help of new Mobile Command Centers. Officials said the station will allow crews to better transport needed equipment to sites of intense storm damage. They include Wi-Fi access, a generator and computers to view drone footage of the impacted area.
Tax prep assistance
Free income tax preparation is available through several trusted programs across Illinois for qualifying taxpayers needing assistance filing their 2023 income taxes. The Internal Revenue Service, American Association of Retired Persons’ Foundation Tax-Aide Program, and the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program, provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in select locations statewide. How taxpayer assistance is provided and when services are available varies by region, based upon volunteer capacity.
Grants for energy efficiency
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Energy has announced a second round of grant funding with $2 million available for the development of local energy plans. Under the program, grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 will assist eligible municipalities or counties in implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce total energy use and improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector.
