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LIHEAP available for qualified low income households

If you’re concerned about making electricity payments this winter, you’re not alone. The good news is that you may qualify for energy assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Administered by the North Dakota Department of Human Services and county social services, LIHEAP provides energy assistance to eligible low-income households.

In 2005, more than 15,000 low-income households in North Dakota participated in the state program. This year, currently three Capital Electric Cooperative families have applied, qualified and taken advantage of the program.

Applications are accepted from Oct. 1 through May 31 of each heating season. An application may be obtained from the local county social services office and must be applied for each year.

These LIHEAP services may be available to you:

• HEATING: LIHEAP can pay for a portion of fuel used to heat your home during the months your household is eligible between Oct. 1 and May 31 during a particular heating season.
• WEATHERIZATION: The weatherization program helps low-income people make their homes and apartments energy efficient.
• FURNACE AND CHIMNEY CLEANING: If you are eligible for LIHEAP, the program can pay up to $75 to clean and inspect your furnace and/or chimney.
• EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE: LIHEAP funds are available when there is a home energy emergency.

For more information, visit http://www.nd.gov/humanservices/services/financialhelp/energyassist.html or call either your local county social services office or the state LIHEAP office at (800) 755-2716.