ENERGY & HEATING
Energy & Heating Programs
Don’t let the lights go out or the heat turn off. When you hit hard times, you can turn to the Community Action Center to help! Let us help you find the energy and heating assistance program right for you and your family’s situation. Schedule a meeting with our caring and helpful staff, and apply today!
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides a one-time benefit, to eligible households, to be used for heating bills. The amount of payment is determined by income, household size and heat usage. An overdue bill or shut-off notice is not required.
You may be eligible to receive assistance under LIHEAP if your household’s combined income is at or below the following levels shown on the chart below. If your heat is included in your rent you are still eligible for the program.
LIHEAP2019-2020Income Guidelines125% Poverty | Any Heat Type |
|
# in HH |
Monthly |
1 |
$1,301 |
2 |
$1,762 |
3 |
$2,222 |
4 |
$2,682 |
5 |
$3,143 |
6 |
$3,603 |
7 |
$4,064 |
8 |
$4,524 |
The Low Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP) is for Avista customers ONLY. Awards are based on household size, household income, and heat usage. The income guidelines for LIRAP heat is now 150% Federal Poverty Line (FPL). Please bring all the same required documents for LIHEAP.
LIRAP Heat2019-2020 Income Guidelines150% Poverty | AVISTA ONLY |
|
# in HH |
Monthly |
1 |
$1,561 |
2 |
$2,114 |
3 |
$2,666 |
4 |
$3,219 |
5 |
$3,771 |
6 |
$4,324 |
7 |
$4,876 |
8 |
$5,429 |
Avista Senior & Disabled Discount Rate Program
This program was designed to help customers 60+ years and/or living with a disability who are over-income for our other energy assistance programs, but whose income is eroded by high medical costs or other necessary expenses that are not considered when applying for LIHEAP/LIRAP Heat. Client may receive this assistance once per heating season (October 1 to September 30); not eligible to receive if households qualifies for LIHEAP or LIRAP Heat.
151% – 200% of poverty:
- Avista Customers Seniors age 60+ OR
- Avista Customers with a verified disability income. Disability is verified through one, but not limited to any of the following means: BVS, SSI, SSD, GAX, and food stamp award letter (verifiable proof is determined by the agency).
- Avista account must list customer’s name as primary or co-tenant
201% of poverty and above:
- Must have a non-reimbursed medical expenses that brings the household’s income to 200% or below
Senior & Disabled Dicount Rate Program151 to 200 FPL | Avista ONLY |
||
Household Size |
150% |
200% |
1 |
1,562 |
2,082 |
2 |
2,115 |
2,818 |
3 |
2,667 |
3,555 |
4 |
3,220 |
4,292 |
Avista LIRAP Share
Available to Avista customers only, this program can help with up to $350 or the amount past due on your energy bill. Please bring your past due notice or shut off notice and your photo id. This assistance is available once per heating season (October 1 to September 30).
Project Share – (Oil, Wood, Pellets, Propane and Inland Power Customers)
This program is funded entirely by donations from vendors and utility customers; funds are limited and may not always be available. You must have a shut-off notice or less than a ten day supply of fuel to receive this help. Please bring your past due notice, shut-off notice, or vendor account number and photo id to your appointment. This program may be accessed only once per heating season (October 1st to September 30th).
To donate to project share go to http://www.givetoprojectshare.org/.
When you apply for assistance, remember to bring the following with you:
- Social Security Cards for all household members.
Photo I.D. for all household members over the age of 18.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status.
- Proof of income for the past 3 months prior to your application date.
- Proof of Whitman County residency: something official with your current address.
- Most current utility bill or shut-off notice.
- If you are a student receiving financial aid, bring a copy of your financial aid letter.
We will need to see proof if you receive or pay child support.
Whitman County Energy Assistance Outreaches
See below if we are coming to a town near you:
| TOWN | LOCATION | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Square | Community Room | Tuesday, October 1 | 9am to Noon |
| Lamont | Community Center | Tuesday, October 8 | 9am to Noon |
| Endicott | Trinity Lutheran Church | Tuesday, October 15 | 9am to 1pm |
| Tekoa | City Hall | Tuesday, October 22 | 9am to 4pm |
| Malden | Library | Tuesday, October 29 | 9am to 1pm |
| Oakesdale | Baptist Chuch | Tuesday, November 5 | 9am to 1pm |
| Albion | Community Center | Tuesday, November 12 | 9am to Noon |
| LaCrosse | City Hall | Tuesday, November 19 | 9am to 2pm |
| Garfield | Community Center | Tuesday, November 26 | 9am to Noon |
| Rosalia | Community Room | Tuesday, December 3 | 9am to 2pm |
| St. John | Fire Station | Tuesday, December 10 | 9am to 1pm |
| Palouse | Library | Tuesday, December 17 | 9am to 11am |