At this time of year, many take a moment to reflect on the things we’re thankful for. But for local families in financial crisis, winter can bring worries of cold, uncomfortable homes and struggles to make ends meet.
“Whether limited-income families own their homes or rent, they often need help to heat them,” said Gretchen Alexander, community care manager for Clark Public Utilities. “Others might face a food versus utilities choice and, by choosing food, lose electricity and have no way to store or cook what they buy. We don’t want to see our customers in that situation.”
Clark Public Utilities offers low-income support through four programs. It administers the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; offers its unique Guarantee of Service Plan; provides a Senior Citizen Rate Credit; and raises donated funds throughout the year for the Operation Warm Heart grant program.
This year, LIHEAP kicked off Oct. 3, earlier than in the past. It’s a federal program aiding households living at 125 percent of the poverty level and provides help with both heating bills and weatherization. The program runs until funds are exhausted, usually about June, and helps more than 4,000 families each year.
To participate in the Guarantee of Service Plan, customers must apply each year and must be at 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Known as GOSP, the program requires customers to pay a percentage of the monthly household income toward the electric bill and as long as payments are made continuously, service will not be disconnected. This program will continue electric service to about 2,500 households this year and, once a full year of participation has been completed, any remaining balance on the account will be waived.
To qualify for the Senior Citizen Rate Credit, utility customers must be at least 62 years old with an annual household income of not more than $24,000. Those who qualify can receive a 50 percent credit on their bills during the heating season — Jan. 1 through April 30. The credit will help about 3,500 households this year.
Operation Warm Heart is a bit different and is a donor-funded program that helps local families in crisis pay heating bills with a one-time grant. The contributions come from utility customers, employees and area businesses.
Because it’s community funded, Operation Warm Heart has different requirements than the other programs and can help people who may not qualify for other assistance. It provides a grant for up to the amount owed on the utility bill. A typical grant is about $300. Since 1985, it’s provided about 11,000 families with nearly $2.4 million to pay winter heating bills.
To be a part of Operation Warm Heart, make a tax-deductible contribution by including a donation with your utility payment and state the donation amount, or write a separate check. You can also stop by either of Clark Public Utilities’ customer service locations to drop off a donation, or pledge a regular contribution to be included on future bills.
For the third year in a row, the utility is offering another way to help families in need pay heating bills. The Race for Warmth, slated for Jan. 29, is a 5K run/walk and 10K run that raises money for Operation Warm Heart. Because of generous support from local business partners including Area Heating & Cooling, New Tradition Homes and Columbia Credit Union, every dollar of participants’ registration goes directly to helping families in need. Registration is open now at RaceForWarmth.com.
“Because our winters have been milder the last couple of years, which also lowered everyone’s utility bill, we’ve been able to help more families in our community with our funds,” Alexander said. “Our customers are our neighbors and friends and we do what we can to help families stay warm and safe.”
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
