Energy Relief Can Help Pay Utility Bills

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Energy Relief Can Help Pay Utility Bills

The spike in heating costs last year was hard. If you’re facing cold hard choices again—whether to eat, pay for prescription drugs or pay the utility bill, check into the Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To be eligible your income may be 110%–150% of poverty (in 2001 that was about $9,449–$12,771 for individuals or $12,885–$17,415 for couples, even more in some states).

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and provides funding for state energy assistance programs. States can assist in a variety of ways, including direct cash assistance and payments to fuel vendors such as electric or natural gas companies. In addition, states may offer weatherization, energy-related home repair, and crisis assistance under LIHEAP. About 70% of program funds are expended for heating and winter crisis assistance, but the program also helps with cooling costs in the summer. TSCL has been working with Congress to increase funding for LIHEAP.

For more information about LIHEAP programs in your area, contact the National Center for Appropriate Technology. They can be reached by e-mail at energyassistance@ncat.org (Please include your city, county, and state in your email message), or by calling toll-free at (866) 674-6327.
You may also call your area Agency on Aging. You can reach your local agency by checking your phone book or calling the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116. You may also go to the Eldercare Locator web site at http://www.eldercare.gov.

February 2002