 For the program year October 1, 2008 through
September 30, 2009 Customers who meet the income guidelines may qualify for reduced electric rates, which could mean savings on your electric bills. Over 6,000 BHE customers benefited from the program last year. How do I find out if I qualify? If your total household income does not exceed 170% of the federal poverty guidelines - which are listed below - you should contact your BHE Low Income Rate Eligibility Guidelines
Are there any restrictions? Yes. Customers who receive housing subsidies are not eligible to participate. To learn of restrictions that may apply to you, check with your local agency.
IIn order to apply you will need to make an appointment by calling the office nearest you (please see list below.) Applications for HEAP will be accepted until April 30, 2009 for the 2008/2009 heating season. LIR Program guidelines require existing
program participants to recertify eligibility by December 31. Please contact your local agency Pleasant Point Passamaquody Tribe Penquis
Penobscot Nation Waldo Community Action Partners
Washington Hancock Community Agency
Oxygen Pump/Ventilator Program - If you or a member of your household uses an oxygen pump/ventilator at least 8 hours each day and are currently enrolled in the LIR program, you may be eligible for a monthly credit to your account. Please contact our Customer Service Center for more information. LIR program guidelines require applicants who receive LIR or the Oxygen Pump/Ventilator credit to recertify annually. Efficiency Maine - Efficiency Maine is a statewide effort to promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce energy costs, and improve Maine’s environment. For more information you may contact them at (866) 376-2463 or visit them online at www.efficiencymaine.com. Weatherization Programs - Penquis CAP serves households in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties and WHCA serves households in Washington and Hancock counties that meet the current HEAP income guidelines. The primary focus of the weatherization program is to reduce the client’s energy cost by installing cost effective energy conservation measures in their homes. Priority is given to households with the highest energy costs and those susceptible to
Bangor Hydro provides several energy management programs that may help you reduce your electric bill. The following programs are available to you free of charge. Bill Analysis – Bangor Hydro will estimate the cost of operating your appliances, water heaters, lights, and heating systems and Energy Manager Guide - This booklet provides information you need to manage your use of electricity effectively. It will help you determine how much electricity household items use, the cost of that energy, and what you can do to control those costs.
General Assistance General Assistance is available through the city or town you live in. Assistance may be available to you for your current heating bill. Customers, if eligible, can apply every month. You should Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) The Energy Crisis Intervention Program is the emergency portion of the HEAP. This program provides assistance to HEAP-eligible applicants who are in an emergency situation, i.e., have run out of fuel or wood, or have received an electrical shut-off notice. Please call the agency nearest you for more information as the availability of these funds is very limited. Emergency Assistance (Family Crisis) The Emergency Assistance Program is a service limited to families with children under the age of 18, who may not be receiving TANF but would be eligible for TANF if they applied. One of the program’s functions is to assist families in paying their past due energy-related costs in order to avoid being shut-off. It is mandatory that you include a copy of the utility shut-off notice along with the application. Contact the Department of Health and Human Services in your service area for more information:
If you are interested in more information, please call or write us:
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