News : Funds can help avoid disconnection as cold weather moratorium ends on April 1

Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, is reminding qualified Iowa residents that they can apply for Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds now through April 30, 2011. LIHEAP provides dollars to aid low-income households to help cover heating costs.

Alliant Energy reminds customers who are not current on their utility bills to take action prior to April 1, as the moratorium on disconnections in Iowa ends on April 1.

LIHEAP payments correspond with household size, income level, and home energy costs. The program helps households with incomes meeting eligibly guidelines. For example, a family of four that earns approximately $33,075 annually or less, or a two-person family with earnings of about $21,855 or less, may qualify for energy assistance dollars.

“This assistance will help these families keep current with heating bills and reduce the chances of falling further behind in meeting their basic needs,” said Tim Heinrich, director of customer support services. “It’s important that people know help is available now.”

To obtain energy assistance, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. For more information on LIHEAP funds, people can contact their local community action agency or visit dcaa.iowa.gov and click on “Bureau of Energy Assistance”. Eligibility for energy assistance is not based on whether someone is behind on their energy bills, rent or owns their home.

If LIHEAP funding doesn’t cover the gap, or a customer doesn’t qualify for LIHEAP, Alliant Energy offers many payment options and encourages customers to talk to a customer service representative by calling 1-800-327-2708 to work out a payment arrangement, or by utilizing the self-payment options atalliantenergy.com. Either online or on the phone, Alliant Energy representatives are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to help make arrangements.