Older adults struggling to keep their homes warm in far Southwest Virginia may qualify for help covering an entire electric bill, according to Cardinal News.
Mountain Empire Older Citizens' emergency fuel fund generally caps electric bill assistance at $350, though it can also settle larger bills in full.
Here's what to know
The program serves residents age 60 and older in Lee, Scott, and Wise counties, as well as Norton.
Monthly income limits are $1,995 for one person and $2,705 for two people. Eligible households must have incomes no higher than 150% of the federal poverty threshold.
Residents who heat with wood, propane, or other fuels can receive aid matching help available for electricity bills, Mountain Empire Older Citizens care coordinator Tiffany Jacobs noted.
The organization also helps pay electric bills.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Assistance is available once per winter through March 31. Applicants should have their electric account number ready, along with contact details, household size, and income information.
Eligible residents can apply online or by phone.
More background
Assistance comes as communities across Virginia's coalfields contend with rising utility costs.
Old Dominion Power, whose regional customer base totals 28,000, proposed a 23% electric rate increase following an 11.12% hike. Powell Valley Electric Cooperative also increased monthly residential charges by $4 in April.
Appalachian Power Co. sought a $9 increase in May. However, a tentative agreement with state regulators would hold its rates steady for one year, though costs could rise afterward.
The Family Crisis Center in Norton reported that its utility assistance funds were nearly depleted before November and December had arrived.
Director Marybeth Adkins said a $776,000 award through the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot program had helped nearly 700 households, but thin funding worried her.
"We're down to almost nothing, which is very fearful for November and December. We've gotten low on funds at the end of the year, but never like this," she admitted.
Along with the risk of losing heat, renters who cannot pay their utility bills can also face eviction, Adkins explained.
What can be done?
Appalachian Power Co. and Old Dominion Power customers can ask local agencies about Neighbor to Neighbor and WinterShare.
Administered by the Dollar Energy Fund, the programs offer eligible households up to $300 and $250, respectively. Applicants must have contributed $100 or more to utility payments within the previous 90 days.
Appalachian Community Action and Development Agency, Clinch Valley Community Action, and Family Crisis Center administer those programs.
Appalachian Power Co. also offers low-income weatherization assistance and efficiency kits that can provide smart thermostats or shower heads.
Its participation in the Percentage of Income Payment Program allows qualifying customers who heat with electricity to limit payments to one-tenth of their monthly income.
Scott County Christian Social Ministry provides free firewood and utility assistance.
Liz Lester of Clinch Valley Community Action recommended calling 211 to connect with housing and food resources in Virginia.
Jacobs stressed the importance of coordination among local assistance groups as residents face the proposed Old Dominion Power rate increase.
"It's going to take organizations coming together to care for individuals and keep them warm."
Where can I learn more?
Virginia residents facing high heating bills can seek financial assistance or help making their homes more energy-efficient. These stories cover heating assistance and steep utility bills.
• Virginia offers up to $600 in heating assistance through a monthlong application window.
• In Richlands, Virginia, utility bills over $1,000 and generator debt forced families to skip groceries.
• Virginia unlocked $67 million in funding to help 1,000 homes reduce energy bills.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
Cool Picks
