Thursday, December 21, marks the official first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. These colder days and longer nights often mean a big jump in our energy bills throughout the season. However, there are Federal Government programs available to help you lower your energy bills while keeping your holidays bright. Learn more about weatherization assistance below.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a great option for those in need of assistance covering their energy bills. This program helps low-income households with heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. Individuals and families already receiving benefits such as SNAP, SSI, or TANF may be automatically eligible.
Click here to learn more about LIHEAP
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
It’s no secret that the best way to lower energy costs is to reduce the amount of energy consumed. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps lower your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. This program provides services to roughly 35,000 homes a year, saving these households an average of $372 annually through weatherization improvements and upgrades. The federally funded, state-run program requires applicants to meet specific income criteria. Preference is given to those over 60 years of age, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.
Click here to learn more about WAP
Winter Weather Tips
Discover simple tips from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to reduce your energy use this winter. They suggest inspecting your home to ensure no drafts can enter through windows or doors, using LED bulbs to light your holiday displays, and many other tricks to lower your energy bill in their blog post, Click here for Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips.