Member-owners seeking help paying their bills this winter are encouraged to take advantage of Roanoke Electric Co-op’s cooperation with government agencies in order to receive much-needed financial resources. Funding will be available for member-owners struggling to pay their heating costs through the North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program starting Dec. 1.
Commonly referred to as “LIEAP,” this program provides a one-time vendor payment towards residents’ heating bills.
“Historically, our member-owners’ highest bills are seen in the January-March winter months,” explained Basil Williams, the co-op’s manager of member services. “Weather is one of the biggest factors when it comes to electric usage, especially during the coldest months of the year. We want to help member-owners lessen the financial burden of potentially high bills.”
Williams states that member-owners must first apply for the financial assistance through their local help agency. “Once the member-owner has visited their local help agency, the agency will contact our office to request the supporting documentation to complete the application.”
Households with a family member aged 60 or older, or an individual receiving disability benefits and services through the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services, are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1- Dec. 31, 2022. All other member-owners can apply from Jan. 1 – March 31, 2023. Assistance will be available until funds are exhausted.
LIEAP offers the one-time payment to help households pay their heating bill from Dec. 1 – March 31. To be eligible, households must meet the following criteria:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
- Meet an income test.
- Have reserves at or below $2,250.
- Be responsible for its heating costs.
Funds may run out before the end of the enrollment period so member-owners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
For more information about the application process and additional information on LIEAP, please contact your local help agency.