A residential heat pump. (Stock photo by Jim Still-Pepper/Getty Images)
Mainers who qualify for state assistance with the cost of utility bills are expected to receive letters this week informing them of their eligibility.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will mail more than 67,000 letters to Maine residents who qualify for the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s Low-Income Assistance Program, also known as LIAP. The program helps homeowners and renters reduce monthly electricity costs through bill credits.
“Programs like LIAP can make a real difference for those struggling to afford their electric bill,” said Public Advocate Heather Sanborn. “If you receive a letter, show it to your utility. This simple step could mean a real savings on your electric bill.”
Credits vary based on income, household size and electricity usage.
To be eligible for LIAP, a household must be eligible for the federal utility assistance program or participate in another income-based DHHS assistance program with a household income at or less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. That would be between roughly $23,000 and $48,000 for households with one to four people.
Households who are already enrolled in the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also referred to as LIHEAP, will be automatically enrolled in the state’s LIAP program.
To receive the LIAP benefits, Mainers who receive a letter only need to present it to their utility company, according to a news release from the Office of the Public Advocate. Contact information for the utility company should be included as part of the letter.
The release from Sanborn’s office urged residents to keep an eye out for these letters and apply for aid as soon as possible. Mainers who do not receive a letter but believe they may qualify to receive assistance should contact their electricity utility or local Community Action Agency.