Saline Shines

06/01/2026

Starting today, Ameren Illinois customers face a second consecutive summer of high bills.

We're here to help Saline County residents access energy savings opportunities, and the Saline Shines website can get you started on three energy savings programs designed to help low-income residents. Begin by checking out our income eligibility chart to see what energy savings programs you qualify for.

www.salineshines.com/income-table

If you have questions about getting enrolled in these programs, we are here to help. If you don't meet the income qualifications for the low-income programs, reach out to ask us about rooftop solar and traditional community solar. *We do not sell solar but can help you understand the incentives available and what to look for in company.

05/22/2026

We had so much fun earlier this week joining the kids at Eldorado Elementary School for a day of outdoor fun!

Saline Shines is a program of the nonprofit Prairie Rivers Network and three of our staff led the kids in a butterfly craft project, a recycling relay game, and sent the older kids home with pollinator plants!

05/21/2026

Community solar allows you to save with solar without installing panels on your own home or business. Even renters can participate.

Two low-income community solar programs are highlighted on our Saline Shines website!

Learn about community solar from our partners at Citizens Utility Board!

05/14/2026

We hope to see you at the opening day of the Eldorado Farmers Market this Saturday, May 16th!

Stop by our table to chat about energy savings opportunities. And enter to win a free raffle for an emergency preparedness kit (value $130, winner drawn on this Saturday) and for a Jackery Solar Battery Generator (value $600, winner drawn end of June).

05/13/2026

New charging station in Saline County! 🚗 ⚡️

05/11/2026

‼️Edit! After making this post, a local representative for the company reached out and we now have additional details to share!

Empower Home Services has a location in Herrin Illinois and they employ local people. They primarily offer a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for residential solar. Through their offering, customers enter into a PPA with the company Sunrun and the installations are done by the company Tron Solar. We have not reviewed the terms of their PPA and have asked for more information.

Not sure what a PPA is, check out this post from our partners at Citizens Utility Board (CUB). They explain how PPAs work for solar systems and they dive into what you should look for in the agreement and what questions to ask.

CUB shares, “Before you sign a solar lease or PPA, find out how much it would cost to buy your system outright, and, if necessary, finance it…CUB recommends getting quotes from at least three different installers.”

https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2025/10/15/free-solar-panels-breaking-down-solar-offers-for-illinois-consumers/

NOTE: Before making the original post we did talk to a representative of Empower Home Services who was not aware the company had services in Illinois. We also did other research that led us to make our original post. We apologize for any confusion.

Original post (updated to remove inaccurate information about Empower Home Services not working in Illinois)

We are working to help Saline County identify what energy savings programs and opportunities are real, and which are not!

📣The good news is, there are real guaranteed savings opportunities with solar. Visit our website to learn about low-income community solar. And talk to LOCAL Southern Illinois solar companies if you are interested in solar on your home or business.

CLAIM: You can get free solar panels installed on your roof! FACT: Some companies offer solar panel installation for no money down, but it’s not free—customers will be renting the panels monthly for the term of the lease (usually 15+ years). CUB RECOMMENDS: Explore your options. While leasing ma...

05/07/2026

📣Check out this opportunity to spotlight small businesses that are served by SouthEastern Illinois Electric Coop!

Is your business on SEIEC electric lines?

We’re shining a light on local businesses—and we want YOU in it.

✔️ Free to apply
✔️ Open to eligible businesses in our service area
✔️ Get featured by SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative

🗓️ Applications close June 5

Tag a business or apply today!

Let’s support local, together.

05/06/2026

Did you know LIHEAP is still accepting applications?

We've been chatting with folks in the community who are facing rising electricity bills. A common misconception we hear is that LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is just open during the winter months. It's NOT!

If you have not yet signed up this program year, it isn't too late. The current program year is October 2025 - August 2026 (or until funds are depleted). If you qualify, you can sign up now. If you are worried about heating costs later this year, you can then still sign up again in the new program year, which will start in October 2026.

Wabash Area Development, Inc. does a wonderful job serving our community by administering the LIHEAP program. You can schedule a LIHEAP appointment on the homepage of their website! www.wadi-inc.com/

low-income home energy assistance program (liheap) LIHEAP is a program that helps qualified households with their utility bills.The Wabash Area Development, Inc (WADI) is the local agency in charge of the program in Saline County.If you qualify for LIHEAP, contact your local Wabash Area Development,...

05/05/2026

📣Emergency Preparedness Kit Drawing Winners!

Congratulations to Stephanie Hathaway for winning our Facebook drawing and to Kelly for winning our drawing at Heaven’s Kitchen - Harrisburg!

And a big thanks to our little helper, Aalydia, for helping with the drawing!

05/05/2026

GIVEAWAY REMINDER!

We are giving away an Emergency Preparedness Kit (value ~$100). Watch the video to see what is included in the kit.

To be entered to win, like this post or our other post from a couple days ago. Be sure to like the Salines Shines page too!

We will announce a winner this evening (Tue May 5th) around 5-6pm.

We will also be at Heaven’s Kitchen - Harrisburg tonight and have a second kit to give away to folks who visit with us there.