Funds are in the form of a one-time grant, which is applied directly to customers’ utility bills.

By Jason Phox

Photo: Gabby K via Pexels

Peoples Gas seeks to help customers in western Pennsylvania with their heating bills or heating-related problems this winter through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. LIHEAP funds are available until April 9, 2021 or earlier, depending on program interest.

Eligible customers for LIHEAP must be at no more than 150% of the federal poverty income marker. This includes individuals who earn an annual income of up to $19,140, and families of four earning an up to $39,300. Funds are in the form of a one-time grant; grants are applied to customers’ utility bills. 

Customers cannot be on public assistance and cannot have an unpaid heating bill; renters are also eligible for the funds.

LIHEAP covers emergency situations including broken heating equipment, leaking lines, low to no fuel and danger of being without fuel or having utility service terminated. 

According to a press release, Peoples also manages other programs to help customers afford their winter heating. These programs are the Emergency Repair Fund and the Dollar Energy Fund 

The Emergency Repair Fund helps customers repair broken equipment or gas lines while the Dollar Energy Fund provides grants that help customers with their gas bill.

Peoples is a utilities company providing natural gas services to homes and businesses in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services assists in financing and managing LIHEAP. If you are interested and you qualify, Peoples customers can find more information and apply for LIHEAP funds online through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Service (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us, or by calling 1-866-827-1281.