[Emailfda] FW: Low Income Energy Assistance

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COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA 
Office of the Governor

Timothy M. Kaine                                         FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE 
Governor                                               November 12, 2008

Contact: Gordon Hickey                                        Carla Harris,
DSS
Phone:                   (804) 225-4260
(804) 726-7107
Cell Phone:           (804) 291-8977                                       
Internet:                www.governor.virginia.gov
<http://www.governor.virginia.gov/>
www.dss.virginia.gov <http://www.dss.virginia.gov/>  

GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF HEATING ASSISTANCE DEADLINE TO
DECEMBER 1

 

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced an extension to apply
for the state's Fuel Assistance program to help households meet rising
energy costs. The new deadline is December 1, 2008. The governor is also
encouraging civic participation in a number of energy programs.  

 

"Virginia households make economic sacrifices in a number of ways, but
staying warm shouldn't be among them," Governor Kaine said. "The
Commonwealth is fortunate to have obtained additional federal funding to
offset heating costs. Additionally, energy companies and organizations such
as the AARP are providing easy avenues for all of us to pitch in, and I
encourage people to help where they can." 

 

The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) block grant
funds the Commonwealth's Energy Assistance Program, which is administered by
the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). The Fuel Assistance
application extension from November 14 to December 1 will allow more time
for lower-income households and members of at-risk groups, including the
elderly and persons with disabilities, to apply for Fuel
<http://dssiad.dss.state.va.us/EligibilityScreening/>  assistance.  

 

To qualify, a one-person household's maximum gross monthly income cannot
exceed $1,127. For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income
level is $2,297.  Applicants must apply through their local department of
social <http://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/>  services. Last year,
Virginia served more than 108,000 households.

 

Help is not limited to the state's Energy Assistance Program. A number of
energy programs allow people to apply for - and provide -- assistance. For
instance: 

 

*	AARP's Project
<http://www.aarp.org/states/va/articles/project_energy_save.html>  Energy
Save  mobilizes volunteers to help elderly neighbors and loved ones assess
their home's energy efficiency and perform simple weatherization tasks.
Governor Kaine is stressing the importance of individuals helping neighbors
and loved ones prepare for the cold weather.

 

*	American Electric Power "Neighbor-to-Neighbor
<https://www.appalachianpower.com/communities/NeighborFund/default.asp> "
accepts donations as overpayments through regular bill pay or donations by
check. Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of
<http://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/>  social services.  

 

*	Dominion EnergyShare
<http://www.dom.com/about/community/energyshare.jsp> :  Dominion electric
customers are encouraged to add $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $25, or $35 to their
amount due. Overpayments in these exact amounts are automatically recognized
as a contribution and will be documented on the next bill. Applications for
assistance are accepted through a number of EnergyShare agencies
<http://www.dom.com/about/community/pdf/energyshare_agencies.pdf> .

 

*	Virginia Natural Gas and Washington Gas provide significant
contributions to energy sharing programs in Eastern Virginia and the greater
Washington area. These contributions provide the administrative funding to
operate the assistance programs so that all private donations go directly to
families in need.

 

*	Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): The General Assembly created
this fund for public and private donations. State tax filers can check off a
donation box on their state income forms.

 

*	Virginia's Department of Housing and Community Development
administers a Weatherization
<http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/housingpreservationrehabilitation/weatherizati
on_assistance.htm>  Assistance Program which provides direct installation of
energy saving measures for eligible households.

 

These are just a few examples of programs that are being offered.
Individuals are encouraged to check with their utility providers to
determine the availability of similar programs. The programs mentioned have
their own eligibility requirements and deadlines. December 1 applies to the
VDSS Fuel Assistance Program only.

 

For more information on the Energy Assistance Program, please visit
http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/index.html.

 

 

 

 

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