Columbia Gas wants to remind customers that starting Nov. 6, funding is available through the annual Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance with home energy bills for eligible households. It is administered through Community Action Kentucky.
Columbia Gas customers are seeing a significant decrease in the cost of natural gas this winter compared to 2022. Several factors contributed to the decrease. Current market prices are lower than last year due to increased production levels, lower exports due to softening European demand and filling storage at substantially lower prices than in previous years.
Despite the decrease in price, LIHEAP funding will be available starting Nov. 6 to help families that will still struggle to pay their utility bills.
“As our most vulnerable customers – including households with children, seniors and those with disabilities – continue to feel the pinch of rising prices for many of their basic needs, every bit of savings and assistance can make a difference,” said President & COO Kimra Cole. “We urge our customers to take advantage of the many resources like LIHEAP that are available to help us all stay safe and warm through the winter season.”
LIHEAP has two components, subsidy and crisis. The subsidy component, which starts Monday, is for any family that meets the income requirement. The crisis component, which starts in January, is for customers who have received a disconnection notice. The subsidy component provides households with a one-time benefit, ranging from $34 to $274, depending on housing category, fuel type used for heating, and income level. The benefit can be applied towards home heating cost for electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil.
In addition to federal funding, other assistance programs also are available for Columbia Gas customers. For a complete listing of energy assistance programs, including a budget plan and extended payment plans available regardless of income, visit ColumbiaGasKy.com/Assistance. For a list of ways to conserve energy and lower heating bills, visit ColumbiaGasKy.com/SaveEnergy.
Customers are urged to contact the Columbia Gas Customer Care Center at 1-800-432-9345, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, for more information about programs and services. Customers can track usage and make payments using the Columbia Gas app.
