Utility companies in northwest Iowa and across the state are reminding their customers who are not current on their utility bills that  the moratorium on disconnections in Iowa ends on April 1.  That means if you’re not caught up on your bill, they will soon be able to disconnect your service for non-payment — something they couldn’t do during the winter.

But there’s good news for low-income households — they can apply for Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program or “LIHEAP” funds through April 30, 2011.  LIHEAP provides dollars to aid low-income households to help cover heating costs — and this is especially important to those who are facing disconnection.

LIHEAP payments correspond with household size, income level, and home energy costs. The program helps households with incomes meeting eligibly guidelines. For example, a family of four that earns approximately $33,075 annually or less, or a two-person family with earnings of about $21,855 or less, may qualify for energy assistance dollars.

To obtain energy assistance, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.  For more information on LIHEAP funds, people can contact their local community action agency, such as Upper Des Moines Opportunity in O’Brien and Osceola Counties, or Mid Sioux Opportunity in Sioux and Lyon Counties.

By Scott Van Aartsen
News Director

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