Energy Assistance programs provide eligible households with assistance toward heating, cooling and/or electric costs. All energy assistance payments are made directly to energy vendors. A client may receive assistance from more than one energy program during the course of the year.
Households MUST be responsible for paying their own heating /cooling bills to be eligible.
Promoting Self-Sufficiency in
All Kinds of Weather
How to Apply
During established program dates, clients may apply by phone, through ePASS or in person. In most instances, if an applicant is unable to complete an application, a representative may apply on his/her behalf. Applicants or representatives should have the following information:
- Name, date of birth and social security numbers for all household members.
- Recent check stubs for all household members.
- Verification of any unearned income such as Social Security, retirement pensions or child support.
- Energy vendor account number.
- Electric account number
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)
CIP provides financial help to households that are in a heating or cooling related crisis. CIP benefits are dependent upon available funding. Eligibility guidelines include:
- Households must have a heating or cooling related emergency as defined by State energy policy.
- Household income must be less than or equal to 150% of the federal poverty level.
- Households must contain a U.S Citizen or eligible alien.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
LIEAP is a low-income energy assistance program which helps qualifying families by providing a one-time vendor payment toward their heating costs.
LIEAP applications are accepted from December 1 through March 31 each energy season. For households with a member age 60 or over and/or a disabled person receiving DAAS services, LIEAP begins December 1. Households which do not qualify to apply during the restricted application period may apply beginning January 1. Applicants do not have to be in crisis to receive LIEAP benefits but must meet eligibility guidelines including:
- Household members must include a U.S. citizen or eligible alien.
- Household income must be less than or equal to 130% of the federal poverty level.
- Household resources may not exceed $2250.
Operation Round-Up (ORU)
ORU is a program which is designed to provide assistance with electric bills. While DSS assists with the disbursement of funds, program guidelines are set by Blue Ridge Energy. Members with a disconnection notice or flex pay balance below a certain amount may receive $75 to help with electricity one time in a 12-month period.
Energy Vendors
The following vendors participate in our energy assistance programs:
- Blossman Gas
- Blue Ridge Energy
- Colvard Oil
- Ferrell Gas
- G&B Energy
- Marsh Propane
- Suburban Propane
- Thompson Gas
- Wood vendors
