Ten Tips to Lower Winter Heating Costs

October 10, 2019 – With the cold, fall and winter months approaching, households can take measures to help lower their heating bills. Some of these tips, such as adjusting their thermostat, can result in as much as a ten-percent decrease in heating bills.

Unplugging small electrical appliances, taking shorter showers, and other actions taken by a household can all contribute to decreasing the heating bill. Personal finance expert, Rebecca Gramuglia, offers these ten tips to help a household reduce their heating bills during the fall and winter months.

NY Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund Begins

October 3, 2019 – As many heating programs around the country begin accepting applications on or around October 1, Western New York’s Neighbor to Neighbor Heat Fund re-opened on October 1, 2019. Qualifying western New Yorkers may be eligible to receive a one-time heating assistance payment directly to their energy supplier of up to $300.

Illinois Energy Assistance Applications Accepted Oct 1

September 26, 2019 – Qualifying utility customers in Madison County, Illinois will be able to submit their applications for energy assistance starting on October 1. Applicants can apply through the Madison County Community Development Energy Assistance Office (CDEAO).

Home Heating Credit Available for 288K Michigan Residents

September 19, 2019 - Michigan residents who have filed for and received the 2018 MI–1040CR–7 Home Heating Credit Claim will receive an additional $22 credit towards their heating bills. The one-time credit will be applied to approximately 288,000 Michigan residents who received a home-heating credit in 2018.

Missouri NECAC to Receive Additional Energy Assistance Funding

September 12, 2019 – Missouri’s North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) will be receiving an additional $102,000 in federal funding for energy assistance. Missouri’s NECAC distributed over $400,000 in utility assistance between June 1 and August 28, 2019.

Crisis Assistance Available During Natural Disasters

September 5, 2019 – Households who find themselves in the path of natural disasters may be eligible for crisis assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Crisis assistance benefits vary from state to state, so it is important that a household find out what they may qualify for in their area. Households can view crisis assistance benefits for LIHEAP in their area on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse web site.

Ohio Summer Crisis Assistance Ends and Winter Heating Assistance Begins

August 27, 2019 – The Ohio Development Services (ODS) Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program will end on August 31. The program provides Ohioans with electric bill assistance and providing central air conditioning units and repairs.

In 2018, more than 423 households received crisis assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program. Recipients received monetary benefits of up to $300 or a window air conditioning unit. $63,000 was spent by the Miami Valley CAP to help “beat the summer heat.”

New Hampshire Saves Assists Homeowners in Energy Savings

August 21, 2019 – A collaboration of New Hampshire utilities, NH Saves, is making it easier for homeowners to assess their home's energy efficiency and qualify for incentives. NH Save’s online tool, the Home Heating Index (HHI), is a component of the NH Saves Audits and Weatherization program and is designed to help customers determine if their homes qualify for incentives and rebates.

Missouri NECAC Providing Energy Disconnection Assistance

August 9, 2019 – Missouri’s Northeast Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is providing Northeastern Missouri residents with summer energy assistance this year, assisting with up to $300 towards electric bills for residents who have received a disconnection notice. The program reports about 75% of their funding has been used so far.

New Federal Poverty Guidelines Released by HHS

August 14, 2019 – On August 7, 2019, the Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance issued an Information Memorandum (LIHEAP-IM-2019-01) announcing the release of the FFY19 HHS Poverty Guidelines.

States may adopt the year's new guidelines at any time between the date of publication in the Federal Register and the first day of the next fiscal year or by the beginning of the grantee's fiscal year, whichever is later.

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