Bringing Down Utility Bills

During the winter living in Idaho can be a bit pricey, but many Idahoans qualify to receive assistance to pay the heating bill.

From August to January the utility bill can be drastically different.

If you can’t afford to pay the bills you’re not alone.

Idaho Falls municipal services said they never collect half a percent of their sales.

But there is a better solution than defaulting on your payments.

Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership emergency services coordinator April Winters says many qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

It’s designed to offset the rising heating bill.

Last year LIHEAP helped $6,000 families in the nine counties EICAP serves.

This year that number is down at 4,500 families.

“We’re not going to run out. A lot of people think that if they come in and apply it might kick a family with children but that is not the way it works,? Winters said. ?I’ve never reached the maximum amount of applications i am allowed to take.”

So if you can’t afford the heat, Winters said it’s no reason to freeze inside.

“I love this program, especially when you are working with seniors who are living in a low fixed income having to make choices between food, medical care and staying warm in their homes,? Winters said. ?This can make the difference on whether they can turn the heat up or if they are huddled up in sweaters trying to stay warm in tin their home.”

EICAP also offers phone assistance and weatherization assistance to low income families.

To see if you qualify you can find more information at eicap.org.