Every year there are sad stories about people dying in the winter or the summer because they couldn’t afford to pay for proper heating and cooling.
It isn’t a new problem. Did you know that before air conditioning, a large number of people living in New York City would die each summer from the heat? Those who could afford to do so would vacation in cooler locations. Those who could not just hoped for the best.
Fortunately today, there is help for people who can’t afford their heating or cooling bills. The U.S. Government has a Low Income Energy Assistance Program. There is approximately $4.5 billion available to help people who are of low income and at risk.
Not only does this program help with energy bills, but it can also help with other forms of energy crisis assistance. Repairs to the home to improve energy efficiency and helping to weatherize a home are also part of the assistance program.
To qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, a family or individual’s income cannot exceed 150 percent of the poverty level or 6o percent of the state medium income. You can learn more about the program by sending an e-mail to energyassistance@ncat.org or calling 866-674-6327.
If you don’t qualify but still have trouble paying for your energy bills, it is important to find alternatives. Private organizations, such as churches and community groups may be able to help with energy bills or energy-related repairs to your home.
Also, check out some ideas for saving energy. This techniques may just lower your energy bill to the point where it is affordable.
3 Self-Reliant Ways to Be Frugal
Surviving a Low Thermostat (2)
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
Favorite Deal Websites: