COVID-19 Resources
RESOURCES FOR OUR MEMBERS
Deposit Relief Program
Our Deposit Relief Program for eligible customers enables them to use up to one-half of their consumer deposit, up to $100, towards their power bill. This one-time deposit application can be done any time before December 31, 2020. Please contact our customer service representatives to see if you qualify and what amount of relief can applied toward your bill.
Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Currently taking cooling assistance application for for residents aged 65 and older or homebound
May 4th - General public cooling assistance applications will be accepted
*All applications are being taken over the phone (use link below to find your local agency)
LIHEAP Overview (as provided by federal guidelines)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides critical home heating and cooling help to millions of vulnerable American families. Last year, LIHEAP helped approximately 6 million households.
How it works:
LIHEAP is federally funded and administered through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), but the funds are sent to the states for implementation. Each state sets its own rules surrounding benefit amount, eligibility, and how to apply. Each state then works with local partners to implement the program. Typically, consumers apply for assistance through their local LIHEAP office. Once approved, they are granted credits on their utility bill and the funds are paid directly to the utility.
Eligibility: Both renters and owners are eligible for assistance, as long as they are responsible for paying utility bills. States set eligibility requirements, but there are federal parameters:
- Income thresholds: Income cannot exceed 60% of the state median income.
- Higher benefits are given to households with the greatest home energy needs in relation to income and number of household members.
- Benefits targeted to those who are elderly, disabled, and/or have a young child.
While most states have additional eligibility requirements, many have modified them to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that newly unemployed and furloughed households are also eligible for assistance.
Information by state (including local contacts, online applications, and funding totals) may be found here.
CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act),” which provided an additional $900 million for the program. There are no additional requirements or stipulations and funding will flow through existing channels. While not authorized in the “CARES Act,” HHS also released the remaining $37 million from the FY2020 budget.