Funds now available to assist income-eligible households with energy bills

The Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials has funds available to assist income-eligible households with natural gas, propane and electric bills, as well as furnace assistance. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is available in Adams, Brown, Pike, and Schuyler counties.

Eligibility requirements are different than in years past. Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive benefits from the LIHEAP program. LIHEAP is a one-time payment to the household’s utility provider to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.

TRRC is taking applications on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31.

There will be no priority groups this program year.

Propane customers are encouraged to apply in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices. By applying early, propane users will see their LIHEAP benefit go further. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan is an option available to LIHEAP-eligible households that are customers of either Ameren Illinois and Nicor Gas. PIPP consists of a monthly benefit households will receive as long as a monthly payment, determined at the time of enrollment, is paid.

PIPP applicants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. The PIPP program will be offered until TRRC has reached the maximum capacity of households for the program.

LIHEAP and PIPP programs cannot be used together.

A TRRC program intake specialist can help households choose the program best suited to their needs during enrollment. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP and PIPP are based on federal poverty guidelines, state median income and the number of persons living in the household. The guidelines are one person, $2,147; two people, $2,903; three people, $3,660; four people, $4,417.