News : If you need help with energy bills, apply through April 30

If you are currently eligible for the LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance) Program, you are automatically eligible for Weatherization Program services.

Iowa received more than double its usual federal allocation for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the White House announced Friday.

"These resources are already allowing states across the country to provide more home energy relief to low-income Americans than ever before," a White House news release read.

The federal program, known as LIHEAP, pays utility companies on behalf of low-income families. In past years, Iowa received about $50 million for the program.

This winter, Iowa received a total of $128.4 million for LIHEAP payments.

The additional aid came as utilities announced higher prices for Iowans: MidAmerican Energy, which provides natural gas services in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota, announced in October that customers could expect heating bills to increase between 46% and 96%.

"We're not seeing signs of supply challenges this winter, but we do expect to see higher customer bills because of higher commodity prices," said Peggi Allenback, MidAmerican vice president of market operations and supply.

Homeowners and renters at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible to apply for LIHEAP. Applications opened in November and are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Iowans can contact their community action agency to apply for home energy assistance.

Iowa Division of Community Action Agencies Contact the appropriate agency below for assistance with the FaDSS, LIHEAP, and Weatherization Programs Benton County (LIHEAP and Weatherization information)
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program - North Benton Center 202 E. 4th St. Vinton, Iowa 52349-1803 Phone: 319-472-4761 Hours: M - F 8:00 - 11:30 & 12:30 - 4:00 Website: https://www.hacap.org/More information Energy Conservation Services | HACAPDue to the covid-19 pandemic, please call the office to determine the best way to apply. FOR FAMILY DEVELOPMENT AND SELF SUFFICIENCY (FaDSS) PROGRAM INFORMATION ONLY CONTACT: Benton County (FaDSS information) Four Oaks 2100 1st Ave NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 Phone: 319-247-4834 Ext. 2502 Website: https://www.fouroaks.org/families/services-program