Energy Assistance and Utility Discount
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federally funded block grant, administrated by the Washington Department of Commerce through local agencies like Blue Mountain Action Council, which provides money to help low income households make home heating more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility services during the winter, and maintain a warm, safe, and healthy environment for households with young children, the elderly, and the disabled. Registration for help begins in November with a random drawing for appointments after Thanksgiving.
Winter 2011
The registration period begins on November 1st and ends at noon on November 22nd. If you have any questions, call 529-4980 or email Bob Castoldi.
Effective October 1, the maximum monthly household income (at 125 percent of poverty) for household size:
One person $1,134
Two people $1,532
Three people $1,930
Four people $2,338
Five people $2,726
An additional source of help available at BMAC is the Pacific Power Low Income Bill Assistance Program (LIBA) which helps income eligible households during winter heating months (November–April) by discounting amounts over 600 kwh. Registration can also be over the phone and begins sometime in the middle of September; call for exact date.
Other Utility Discounts
College Place and Walla Walla have discount programs for low income seniors or disabled persons to help with water and sewage bills. You can call 529-4980 for more information.
Low income Cascade Natural Gas customers can call our office for help with their bills..