Michigan Residents to Receive Additional Home Heating Credit

November 17, 2017 – Michigan residents who received a Home Heating Credit in 2016 will get an additional one-time credit, as a result of a $12 million supplemental to administer remaining LIHEAP funding received by Michigan.

Households with direct-heating obligations (heating bills they pay directly), will receive a $44 credit and households with indirect heating obligations (heating bills included in rent, etc.), will receive a $22 credit.

EIA Predicts 10% Rise in Energy Costs for 2017 Winter Season

November 10, 2017 – According to the Winter Fuels Outlook report, produced by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) in October 2017, energy costs for U.S. households are expected to rise by an estimated 10% for all types of heating fuels for the winter season of 2017.

Pennsylvania PUC Hosts Educational “Be Utility Wise,” Event

November 2, 2017 - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission recently hosted an educational event in Johnstown Pennsylvania. The event was part of a series of events hosted across the state with social service organizations such as the Laurel Highlands.

Ohio E-HEAP Program Opens November 1

October 27, 2017 – Ohio’s Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (E-HEAP) at Akron Summit Community Action Inc., opens for the winter season on November 1. Households in Summit County qualify for the assistance if they are at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guideline.

North Carolina Utilities Encourage Weatherization

Utility companies in Nebraska are encouraging customers to take simple, low-cost steps to winterize their homes. If customers implement these steps properly, they will save money on their heating bills by reducing natural gas and electric usage.

Minnesota Cold Weather Rule Starts Oct 15

October 13, 2017 – The Minnesota Department of Commerce and Minnesota Public Utilities Commission issued a reminder about the state’s Cold Weather Rule and Energy Assistance Program. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from receiving utility disconnections. The Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance for utility bills.

The Cold Weather Rule runs from Oct. 15 through April 15. To receive the protections, customers must establish and maintain a monthly payment plan with their utility provider.

Illinois SLIHEAP up and Running Again

October 6, 2017 – The Illinois State Low Income Energy Assistance Program (SLIHEAP) is preparing to launch operations for the 2017-18 fiscal year after ceasing to operate in 2016. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development said the state-run program didn’t have any funding during the 2016 fiscal year. While SLIHEAP is preparing to get back up and running for the 2017-18 fiscal year, the federal program LIHEAP is available, which offers similar benefits.

New Program in TN Will Provide Weatherization

September 29, 2017 – A new program in Memphis, Tennessee will provide weatherization services to ninety families in Memphis and Shelby County. The program is a $1.5 million grant program. The city of Memphis announced the new program last week.

Tennessee’s new assistance program is a partnership with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, The Division of Housing and Community Development, and the United States Department of Energy.

Annual 5k Race in Connecticut to Raise Money for Winter Heating Assistance

September 22, 2017 – The annual 5k Monroe County Trail Run will raise money for assisting residents with their heating bills this winter. Last year, the race raised $14,000 and all proceeds went to assisting Monroe residents through Project Warmth. Project Warmth is a local fund dedicated to helping Monroe County residents is paying winter heating bills.

LIHEAP Application Season Begins October 1

September 15, 2017 – Many states around the country are beginning to accept LIHEAP applications for the elderly and disabled starting October 1. General applications in many states are being accepted starting November 1, and in some states starting December 1. In Iowa, Iowans 60 years and older, as well as the disabled, can begin applying for the 2017-2018 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) starting Monday, October 2. Applications for the general public will be accepted beginning November 1.

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