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| Energy Relief for Low-Income Households |
June 26, 2001 |
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By Brian Stobie
Brian is a seventeen-year old high school student serving a Summer internship in Heather`s office.
If you`re having trouble keeping up with your energy bills, you may find the following resources useful.
DOE Weatherization Program
The DOE Weatherization Program dispatches professionally-trained crews to weatherize low-income homes. These professionals will tune up or replace home units (such as air conditioners and heaters) that are energy inefficient, and teach homeowners or residents how to be more energy efficient. The average homeowner saw a 23% cut in energy bills after this service.
Eligibility
Most that receive services have an annual household income under $15,000
Two thirds of those that receive services have an annual income under $8,000
More than 13% have an annual income under $2,000
For more information on the DOE Weatherization Program, call 1-505-843-6880
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Progam (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program that helps eligible, low-income households meet their home heating and/or cooling needs.
LIHEAP has assisted 43,000 New Mexican households so far this year. Last year, 24,000 households received assistance with their energy bills throught the federally-funded LIHEAP.
You may apply for assistance at any Human Services Department Income Support Division office in New Mexico. For the local office in your area, please call the New Mexico Human Services Department`s main number, 1-800-432-6217.
When you apply for assistance at an office, you should bring a photo ID, the social security numbers and birthdates for all those who live in your household, proof of gross income received for the last 30 days by all household memebers, and your highest utility bill in the past 12 months. ( Or a receipt for purchase of wood or 2 receipts for propane purchases.)
Eligibility
Households who have a utility responsibility are eligible to apply for LIHEAP. Persons whose utilities are included in their rent or cut their own firewood also qualify. Household`s who live in subsidized housing and do not pay utilities are not eligible.
Households must meet income limits outlined by the New Mexico Human Services Department. Households who are in a crisis situation may have a deduction from their income if they incurred any emergency expense in the 30 days prior to application. It is considered a crisis situation when a household receives a disconnect notice or does not have enough funds to purchase bulk fuel or start utility service. |
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