ENERGY & HEATING
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 phone meeting with our caring and helpful staff, and apply today!
Appointments & Outreaches
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Community Action Center will not be able to do any in-person appointments or county outreaches. This is to help keep our clients and our staff members as safe as possible. Anyone interested in energy assistance can call our front desk to schedule a phone appointment (509-334-9147). Energy Assistance appointments are available year-round (Oct 1 – Sept 15).
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.
The Low Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP) is for Avista customers ONLY. Awards are based on household size, household income, and heat usage. Non US Citizens can apply for this program.
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 ONLY
- Avista account must list customer’s name as primary or co-customer
- Seniors age 60+ OR household 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).
201% of poverty and above:
- Must have a non-reimbursed medical expenses that brings the household’s income to 200% or below
Avista 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/.
Please prepare the following documentation for your appointment:
Social Security Cards for ALL Household Members OR Birth Certificates OR Passports
Photo I.D. for all household members over the age of 18.
Proof of income for the past 3 months prior to your application date.
Heating Bill – showing account #, client name, & address
IF APPLICABLE: Proof of 3 months of Child Support – Paid out or Received
IF APPLICABLE: Proof of any College Financial Aid
IF APPLICABLE: Copy of Lease – if your heat is included in your rent
IF APPLICABLE: If you have Wood Heat – please provide any receipts from the last 12 months