Energy is the lifeblood of modern life, sustaining the comfort and convenience of our homes. Yet for many low-income families in the U.S., energy bills can weigh on them like a rock. But don’t worry! Depending on your income, you may qualify for help with your energy bill. Find out if you qualify, how to apply, and where to get more information.
Current energy costs for an average household
In the United States, the energy costs of ordinary households are mainly composed of electricity, gas, and water. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the national average monthly electricity bill is about $130, but in some high-power consumption areas such as Hawaii, the monthly electricity bill may be as high as $200 or more. In terms of natural gas costs, in northern regions with a long heating season, the average monthly expenditure in winter can reach $200-300. Water costs vary greatly from region to region, and water costs in some arid areas are relatively expensive, averaging about $80-100 per month.
The impact of energy costs on low-income households
For low-income families, the burden of high energy bills is extremely heavy. Take low-income families in New York City as an example. A family in the Bronx has a monthly income of about $2,500. In winter, the cost of using gas for heating soars to $300, electricity bills are $150, and water bills are $80. The total energy expenditure accounts for 21.2% of the monthly income. This has forced them to reduce other expenses.
• The purchase of meat, fresh fruits and vegetables has been greatly reduced, resulting in a serious decline in the quality of diet.
• In order to save electricity and reduce the use of air conditioning, the indoor temperature is unbearable in the summer.
• In winter, due to the inability to afford high heating costs, the indoor temperature is low, affecting physical health and normal life.
How to get help with energy bills
1. Federal level
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This is an important energy assistance fund managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help low-income families pay their energy bills.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Established by the U.S. Department of Energy, it mainly provides funds to low-income families for home energy efficiency improvement projects, such as home insulation, door and window sealing, and replacement of energy-saving equipment.
2. State and local level
Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): Texas' CEAP program helps eligible low-income families manage energy costs.
New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): New York State's HEAP program provides heating subsidies to eligible homeowners and tenants.
Southern California Gas Company Natural Gas Assistance Fund: Provided by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), a total of $1 million in funds are available for application.
Austin Energy Customer Assistance Program: Austin's utility company provides energy bill discounts to low-income or fixed-income residents through this program.
LIHEAP's services
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get help with:
• Energy Bill Assistance: Help with home energy bills, including electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil or wood.
• Weatherization Support: Make your home more energy efficient to reduce costs.
• Crisis Assistance: Prioritizes assistance for households without (or facing the prospect of being without) heating or cooling.
• Equipment Repair and Replacement: Assistance with repairs to your heating and cooling equipment.
• Energy Education: Provides resources and strategies to help manage home energy use and bills.
• Disaster Assistance: Support during or after a natural disaster.
How to Qualify for LIHEAP Assistance
Answer these questions to find out if you might be eligible for help paying your energybills from LIHEAP：
1. What state or territory do you live in? (LlHEAP eligibility requirements can vary by state orterritory.)
2. Are you a member of an AlAN tribe? (LlHEAP eligibility requirements can also vary for members of an American Indian orAlaska Native (AlAN) tribe. )
3. How many people live in your home (including yourself)?
4. What is your household's monthly income (in dollars) before taxes?
Success story: LIHEAP program helps single mothers
Jane is a single mother living in the Midwest. She supports her two young children with a part-time job, and her monthly income can barely cover the basic living expenses of her family. The high heating bills in winter have made the family's finances even worse, and life has fallen into a difficult situation.
After she learned about the LIHEAP program from the community center, she collected documents and submitted an application as required. After about 6 weeks of review, she was successfully approved for a $500 financial subsidy to help her pay the heating bill. Jane said that the LIHEAP program was like a beacon in the dark for her, which greatly alleviated her financial pressure.
Conclusion
The assistance program not only provides financial support, but also provides advice and information on energy-saving renovations, helping low-income families reduce future energy consumption by renovating houses, replacing energy-saving equipment, etc., thereby continuously reducing energy costs.
