ENERGY & HEATING

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.

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.

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

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/.