LIHEAP FY 2009 Funding
$31,598,299 - regular block grant
$3,604,059 - emergency contingency funds
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level 175% Federal Poverty Level
LIHEAP FY 2009 Benefit
Heating: $919 average
LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2007 Heating)
20,200
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: October 1 - June 30
Crisis: Year-round
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
NorthWestern Energy
Customers who qualify for LIHEAP, automatically receive a discount on their NorthWestern Energy electric and natural gas bills. Apply for LIHEAP through a local Human Resource Council.
1-800-332-2272
www.northwesternenergy.com/
Flathead Electric Cooperative
Eligible members receive a credit equal to half the basic charge on their bill each month. In most cases this is an $8.00 per month credit. Residential members must qualify as low-income according to the guidelines set by LIHEAP (150% of federal poverty level). Members qualifying with LIHEAP after October 1 will automatically be eligible. All recipients must reapply each year.
Kalispell Office, 406-751-4483; Libby Office, 406-293-7122 or 1-800-735-8489 www.flatheadelectric.com/custserv/EnergyAsst/energyasst.htm
Lincoln Electric Co-op
Low-income seniors over 65, and permanently disabled members may be eligible for a 10 percent reduction in their energy bill. Members who qualify for Supplemental Disability or Social Security Disability income are qualified if they meet the income test.
406-889-3301 or 1-800-442-2994 www.lincolnelectric.coop/discount_rates.htm
Missoula Electric Cooperative
Customers who receive LIHEAP may be eligible for a discount.
1-800-352-5200 or 406-541-4433 www.missoulaelectric.com/
Park Electric Co-op
Senior Income Eligible Discount
Available to members of the Cooperative, 60 years of age or older who meet
LIHEAP eligibility guidelines. Available on a first come, first serve basis. Online application.
406-222-3100 www.parkelectric.coop/customer_service/Rates/
Vigilante Electric Cooperative, Inc.
In the fall, energy assistance is offered to households meeting low-income guidelines. Applications are usually available between September 15 and November 1.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
NorthWestern Energy
Free Weatherization Program
Customers who rent or own their homes may be eligible for free weatherization measures. This service is provided in partnership with the State of Montana’s weatherization program. Apply through a local Human Resource Council.
11-800-332-2272 www.northwesternenergy.com/
Sun River Electric Coop
Provides funding to weatherize residential homes for low-income households located within the service delivery area of Sun River Electric Coop.
406-467-2526
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Northwestern Energy
Energy Share
Provides one-time assistance, most often in the form of help with a heating bill, but occasionally with heating equipment repairs or other special energy needs. It is distributed on the basis of need rather than federal poverty guidelines or on the recipient’s fuel type. Apply through a local Human Resource Council.
1-800-777-7589 www.energysharemt.com
Flathead Electric
Energy Share
Funds may be available after LIHEAP assistance is used up or if a customers has been denied LIHEAP. Apply at Northwest Montana Human Resources in Kalispell.
758-5433 or 1-800-344-5979
www.flatheadelectric.com/custserv/EnergyAsst/energyasst.htm
Keep the Lights On
Provides help in emergencies for low-income members who are in disconnect status. Up to $200 can be applied to the past-due account once a year.
Kalispell Office, 406-751-4483
Libby Office, 406-293-7122
1-800-735-8489
Neighbors in Need
LIHEAP eligible households may receive emergency assistance in Flathead County.
Contact Help Net at 406-752-8181
