LIHEAP stands for Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program. It is a federal assistance program that is comprised of two parts: Subsidy and Crisis.

The Subsidy Program is available between early November through mid-December every year (Nov. 5 - Dec. 14 for 2007). Customers must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify; however, customers do not have to be in danger of disconnect to qualify for assistance. The Subsidy Program is a one-time benefit.

The Crisis Program is available between the first week of January and mid-March every year (begins Jan. 7 for 2008) or until the money runs out whichever comes first. Customers must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify, and customers must also be in danger of disconnect in order to receive assistance. Customers may receive assistance through the Crisis Program more than once, up to the maximum benefit amount, which is $250.

LIHEAP monies are distributed at area Community Action Agencies located throughout the state. To find the location of a Community Action Agency near you, visit www.kaca.org or call the Kentucky Association for Community Action (KACA) Agencies at (502) 875-5863.

Applicants applying for LIHEAP must bring:
-   A picture ID or Permanent Resident ID
-   Social Security Cards for everyone in the household
-   Proof of their previous month's income
-   The home's most recent heating bills or verification from the landlord that the heating expenses are included in the customer's rent.

The WinterCare Energy Assistance Fund is a statewide privately-supported energy assistance fund. WinterCare is a partnership between utilities and Community Action Agencies designed to help low-income, disabled and elderly persons with their utility expenses. Donations to the WinterCare Energy Assistance Fund assist those who are not eligible for federal assistance but still fall below the poverty line. The Community Action Council provides staff administrative support for the statewide fund.

Residential customers may donate to the WinterCare Energy Assistance Fund by making a donation in the appropriate box on their monthly utility bill or by making a direct contribution to WinterCare (available in all Kentucky counties, except Jefferson). Kentucky Utilities matches all residential customer donations made to WinterCare from 25% - 100%. KU will match donations dollar-for-dollar from Nov. 1, 2007 - April 30, 2008.

Community Winterhelp is a non-profit corporation made up of Community Ministries. Applications are taken by those Community Ministries based on the particular geographical boundaries associated with zip codes (located almost entirely in Jefferson County). Additionally, Tri-County Community Action Agency offices in outlying counties provide Community Winterhelp assistance to residents in those areas.

Eligibility is determined by dire financial situation and lack of resources, leaving a family with no heat or the immediate prospect of no heat; and by a family who is elderly, very young, seriously ill or disabled. Community Winterhelp follows 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Recipients are encouraged to visit a Community Action Agency office first in order to receive their LIHEAP benefits if they qualify.

Customers wishing to donate to Community Winterhelp can do so by writing in the amount of their donation in the appropriate box on their monthly LG&E bill and adding that amount when making their payment. LG&E provides a 25% to 100% donation match per dollar donation made throughout the year. LG&E will match customer donations dollar for dollar from Nov. 1, 2007 - Apr. 30, 2008.

1) What is the HEA Fund I see on my bill?
HEA stands for the Home Energy Assistance Program, which is a 10-cent per residential meter per month charge that began on October 1, 2004. Monies raised support a year-round energy assistance program that targets the portion of the low-income population that is most at-risk. Many HEA program recipients are either elderly or disabled and, therefore, tend to be on a low, fixed income.

The LG&E Program:
The Affordable Energy Corp., a private non-profit agency, runs the HEA program and works in partnership with the Community Action Partnership to screen applicants. Anyone interested in applying for this program must first qualify to receive a LIHEAP Subsidy.

Those who qualify receive one of four amounts of an annual subsidy that is spread out over 12 payments depending on the individual's income and energy use. The annual amounts are $200, $400, $700 and $1,000.

In order to receive a monthly subsidy amount, however, the customer must pay their portion of the bill first before the HEA subsidy amount is released onto the bill. Also, in order to stay on the program, customers must accept weatherization services if they are offered. If refused, the customer will be removed from the program.

To find out more about the Louisville HEA program, call the Affordable Energy Corp at (502) 267-1399.

The KU Program:
Community Action Council (CAC) of Lexington administers the HEA program for KU customers. CAC also administers the LIHEAP program, which HEA clients must receive in order to qualify for the HEA program.

Those who qualify receive benefits only in the peak heating and cooling months. Clients must pay the remainder of their utility bill each month or they could risk being removed from the program.

Current subsidy benefit amounts are:

Dec $65
Jan $65
Feb $61
Mar $61
Jul $61
Aug $65
Sept $61

Also, in order to remain on the program, individuals must accept weatherization services if offered. If refused, the individual will be removed from the program.

To find out more about the Lexington HEA program, call the Community Action Council at (859) 233-4600. Ask for Judy Dennis.

2) How do I find out if I qualify for these programs?
The best way to find out if you qualify for any of these programs is to call the agencies directly and set up an appointment to meet with them. We can only provide the agencies' guidelines. Each program is a separate, non-profit agency.

3) What are the Federal Poverty Guidelines?

A brown bill is a notice of pending disconnection of service. The brown bill lets you know that we have not yet received a payment on your account. If payment is not received within 10 days of the date of the "brown bill" notice, the service will be subject to disconnection without further notice.

When applying with an agency for assistance, brown bills are often used to show the customer's need. Many agencies require either a brown bill or statement of account (if behind and on the company's Budget Payment Program).

If you receive a disconnect notice or you are faced with an LG&E bill you think you won't be able to pay, please contact us as soon as possible at (502) 589-1444 (outside Louisville 800-331-7370). For KU and ODP customers, please call 1-800-981-0600. Our Customer Care representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and they can usually work out a solution that will allow you to keep essential service.

Ask about payment options, such as a partial payment plan, Budget Payment Plan, Net Bill Extender, one-service option or a medical letter extension. Our representatives are happy to help you find a solution that will work for you. Let's find the solution together!

If you still need assistance, you may dial 2-1-1 for referrals. This is a statewide number established to help you find all of the services in your area to help you find the assistance you need.

If you have already been disconnected, you need to call us right away to see how we can help. From Nov. 1 - Mar. 31, assistance is available if you are a low-income customer who falls at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You may qualify for a hardship reconnect through the Community Action Partnership or one of the area Community Ministries.

A Hardship Reconnect is available for low-income customers who have been disconnected and who meet or are below 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you meet those criteria and have not already received a Hardship Reconnect this heating season, you may be eligible to receive a Hardship Reconnect. In addition to the criteria above, you can not have defaulted on a payment arrangement set up with a Hardship Reconnect from the previous heating season.

The Public Service Commission regulation for Hardship Reconnects is as follows:
A residential customer who has, at any time, been disconnected for non-payment and who applies for reconnection between Nov. 1 and Mar. 31 and who received a Certificate of Need from the Cabinet of Human Resources (or its designee - such as the Community Action Partnership, Neighborhood Place, or area Community Ministries) will have service restored provided he/she meets the following conditions:

1. Presents the Certificate of Need, and
2. Pays 1/3 of his/her outstanding bill or $200, whichever is less; and
3. Agrees to a repayment schedule that provides for the customer to become current in the payment of the utility bill as soon as possible but no later than October 15. If more than $600 is owed, there is no deadline for when the bill is to become current. However, the customer who owes more than $600 at the time of reconnection must agree to a repayment plan that pays current charges and makes a good faith reduction in the outstanding bill.

Call or visit your nearest Community Action Partnership if you meet the above requirements to apply. The agency will contact LG&E and handle the rest. If service is restored through a Hardship Reconnect, customer must make payment arrangements on the remaining balance right away to ensure service.

If you have not already been removed from the Budget Payment Plan and are a low-income customer who has fallen at least 30 days behind on your utility bill, call us. We will provide you with a statement of account that shows you are at least 30 days past due and in danger of being removed from the Budget Payment Plan. You can then use that notice to request assistance at most agencies.

If you forgot to call ahead for the statement of account, ask the agency to call us on your behalf. We can fax the notice to them or verbally advise them of your status in order to expedite your request for assistance.