August 17, 2018 – The Minnesota Commerce Department is offering some tips for families to prepare for the 2018 heating season. As the cooling season comes to an end, many LIHEAP and Community Action Agencies are preparing for the administration of the heating season during the fall and winter months. It is important for families to prepare for the heating season and learn about their options for energy assistance in their area if they feel they may need assistance.

August 10, 2018 – Puget Sound Energy (PSE) in Washington still has more than $5 million to help income-eligible households pay their energy bills. The assistance comes from Puget Sound’s Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP) and can be applied towards a natural gas or electric bill.

Puget Sound Energy customers have received $13.8 million I assistance since January 2018. More than 31,000 PSE customers have received assistance.

August 3, 2018 – Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Program’s (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program is providing one-time payments towards a household’s electric bill as well as central air-conditioning repair.

July 20, 2018 – The New York Human Resource Administration is administering the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance benefit. They will provide air conditioning units to low-income eligible applicants on a first-come first-serve basis.

One air conditioner per household will be provided and installed. The assistance will cover up to an $800 installation cost. If an air conditioning unit cannot be safely installed at the residence, a fan will be provided instead.

The 2018 Annual NEUAC Conference was held this week in Phoenix, Arizona. From June 25 through June 28, utility representatives and non-profit members, among others, attended workshops and exhibits that highlighted issues and solutions to helping low-income energy consumers become self-sufficient. The National Energy Assistance Director’s Association (NEADA) also hosted their annual membership meeting June 24 through June 25, followed by a half-day new director’s training.