LIHEAP FY 2009 Benefit Heating: $550 average
Cooling: $300 maximum
LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2009)
Heating: 122,625
Cooling: 68,853
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: October 13 - November 13
Cooling: June 15 - August 15
Crisis: November 2 - March 15
State
All participating vendors for the LIHEAP Fuel and Crisis Assistance components agree to waive charging the State Sales Tax on all fuel deliveries. Eligible households receive the amount that would be paid to the State for sales tax in the total amount of fuel delivered.
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Four major utilities in Virginia waive security deposits for LIHEAP eligible customers.
Appalachian Power
1-800-956-4237
Virginia Natural Gas
1-866-229-3578
Washington Gas
703-750-1000
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Dominion Virginia Power
Fan Care
Provides free fans to elderly Virginians within the Dominion Virginia Power service area who are age 60 or older and meet income guidelines defined by the Area Agencies on Aging. Fan Care is a public-private partnership administered by the Department for the Aging; Dominion Virginia Power is the primary sponsor. Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening applicants and distributing fans. A list of participating agencies is available by contacting the Virginia Department for the Aging at 1-800-552-3402. www.dom.com/about/community/fan-care-program.jsp
Virginia Natural Gas
VNG has partnered with state certified weatherization agencies to provide cost-effective energy efficiency measures for customers with an income at or below 175% of the federal poverty. Besides weatherization measures, the agency may determine that equipment and appliance repair or aid with appliance replacement is needed. Participants are asked to partner with the program to develop and carry out a household energy savings Action Plan. All efficiency measures and energy education services are provided free of charge to the customer.
Southside and Hampton Residents should call the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project at (757) 858-1397
Peninsula Residents (other than Hampton ) should call the Williamsburg/James City County Community Action Network at (757) 229-9389.
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
American Electric Power
Neighbor-to-Neighbor
AEP matches customer contributions up to $37,500. Customers must supply a disconnect notice to the Department of Social Services. The program begins in January and continues until funds are exhausted or March 31, whichever comes first. www.aepcustomer.com/about/factsheets/VirginiaPayment.pdf
Atmos Energy
Sharing the Warmth
Customer donations combine with company donations to help people pay their gas bills. All donations go directly to local people in need that meet criteria established by each individual program's guidelines. To contact the energy assistance agency in your area visit www.atmosenergy.com/faq/eaa.html
Columbia Gas of Virginia Heatshare
Funded by customer and company contributions and administered by the Salvation Army, Heatshare is an emergency fund to help households with energy bills. To find out if you qualify for a grant, call the Universal Services department
at 1-800-537-7431.
Dominion Virginia Power
EnergyShare
Created in 1983 to help low-income households pay any type of heating bill. EnergyShare is supported by donations from utility stockholders, employees and customers, businesses, churches, and civic groups. In addition, matching funds and administrative costs are paid by the utility. Beginning in the summer of 2008, eligible seniors (age 60 and older) can apply for cooling assistance of up to $200 per season.
1-888-667-3000 www.dom.com/dominion-virginia-power/customer-service/your-bill/energy-assistance-programs.jsp
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative
Operation Round UP
Customer and utility donations provide assistance with their heating bills. People who need assistance should contact the Virginia Department of Social Services at 1-804-726-7000 or toll-free 1-800-552-3431, or by visiting www.dss.state.va.us/benefit/ea/fuel/index.html. Applications for assistance will be accepted beginning Oct. 13, 2009. www.novec.com/About_NOVEC/News_Release/nr101609.cfm
Virginia Natural Gas
EnergyShare
Beginning in January, help with energy payments may be available if all alternatives available through social services have been exhausted. Call The Salvation Army to make an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted.
South Hampton Roads, call 543-8100
Suffolk, call 539-5201
On the Peninsula, call 838-4875 http://vng.aglr.com/Home/EnergyAssistance.aspx
Washington Gas
Washington Area Fuel Fund
Provides heating assistance payments for low-income households in the Washington D.C. area that do not qualify for or have exhausted government assistance. Funded by customer and company contributions and administered by the Salvation Army.
540-869-1111
City of Charlottesville
Gas Assistance Program
Provides emergency payments for low-income households that are not able to meet their gas bills and have exhausted government assistance. Referrals are given through a variety of community action groups; intake is provided by the City of Charlottesville Department of Public Utilities.
Harrisonburg Electric Commission
Energy Share
Customer contributions assist those who need help paying their heating bills. Funds will be managed by the Salvation Army. As long as funds are available, they will make payments for all qualifying customers.
540-434-5361 www.harrisonburgelectric.com/program_services/index.html
