FUNDING STILL AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCY HEATING

(03/17/2007)

The DHHR reports that low-income households statewide used up $17.6 million in assistance funds earmarked for home heating costs this winter. Now, residents have until the end of March to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program's emergency funds, assigned solely for people facing termination of their utility services. Despite a major decrease in funding, West Virginia was able to allocate funds for 63,000 households this year, a decrease from last year's 75,000. The National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, which monitors the program nationwide, named West Virginia one of eight states that had depleted its energy assistance program funds by March. The average energy bill was lower this winter than a year ago. Energy costs have been skyrocketing in most parts of the state. People only qualify if they've experienced a disruption in their home's primary heating source or a termination notice from a utility company. Households using other heating sources such as coal, wood, liquid petroleum and fuel oil can also apply. People who've already received an energy assistance payment this winter cannot apply for this emergency assistance. Anyone wanting to apply can for emergency funding can contact their local DHHR office or call (800) 642-8582.

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