In accordance with the Illinois Energy Assistance Act and regulations of the U.S. Department of Energy, a broadly representative Policy Advisory Council provides advice and programmatic guidance for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance and Weatherization Assistance Programs. This council serves as a sounding board for policy development and has been instrumental in the design of innovative assistance efforts and creative technologies for those programs.

The council has twenty members in all; appointed by various governmental agencies and private organizations. These individuals, serving without pay, represent community action agencies, utility companies, state agencies, and low income advocates. The membership is reflective of the state's geographic and demographic diversity. Annually, the Advisory Council reviews and approves the application and state plan for the Weatherization program to the Department of Energy and prepares a report to the governor and General Assembly on the status of the Energy Assistance Programs.

The deliberations of the Policy Advisory Council ensure that the views of low income people receiving the services are given consideration in the development of program policies.