Energy Adviser: Assistance warms more than hearts

Families living at or below the federal poverty level spend a greater portion of their income on living expenses, including rent and utilities, than families with a household income closer to the median. For a family of four, 125 percent of the FPL is equal to an annual income less than $30,750. Recent surveys indicate that 11 percent, more than 52,000 Clark County residents, live on incomes below that threshold.

In our county, the median rent is approaching $1,000 a month and living expenses average about $440 a month, according to the Census Bureau. Any swing in expenses, such as last year’s cold winter, can stretch already tight budgets to the breaking point.

“Right after shelter and food, utilities, like water and heat, are important for families to survive,” said Gretchen Alexander, supervisor for the Community Care team, or ComCare, for Clark Public Utilities.

That’s why Clark Public Utilities offers several energy-aid programs that low-income residents can tap into. For most, the national Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is the entry point. Funded federally by the Department of Health and Human Services, it helps eligible families using any type of heating fuel — gas, electric, oil, propane or wood — with a grant to offset heating fuel costs. The utility works with the county to administer LIHEAP to all who qualify, regardless of heating fuel type. Income eligibility requirements are at www.clarkpublicutilities.com.

Families applying for LIHEAP may also meet requirements for other assistance programs.

“We help families make connections to other programs and complete all paperwork in one meeting to direct them to additional services for help,” Alexander said. Through LIHEAP, the utility helps about 4,300 Clark County families each year, some of whom also qualify for additional programs.

For families using electricity, the utility’s unique Guarantee of Service Program reduces the electric bill of qualifying customers to a percentage of the monthly household income. To qualify, the household income must not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level. By setting the eligibility threshold higher than the Federal LIHEAP percentage, more Clark County residents can qualify for GOSP. After a customer has successfully completed 12 months on the GOSP program, the utility also forgives any balance remaining on the account, providing participants with a fresh start.

Utility customers at least 62 years old with limited incomes may qualify for a 50 percent reduction on winter heating bills, based on January through April billings of the previous year. To participate in the program, the annual household income must fall below $24,000 and the billing discount is limited to $500.

“Anyone applying for one assistance program is also screened for eligibility in other programs that might be able to help,” said Alexander. “Usually families coming to us because of a late utility bill are struggling with other expenses and when we are able, we help them connect with other community services to address additional needs.”

Operation Warm Heart

Utility customers in financial crisis who don’t qualify for other programs may be eligible for a grant of up to $300 through the utility’s donor-funded Operation Warm Heart. For more than 30 years, Clark Public Utilities customers, employees and local businesses contribute to this program, which aids about 600 households every year. In addition to year-round donations, funds are raised annually at the Race for Warmth a 5K fun run/walk and 10K. The popular event will be Jan. 28; registration is open now at www.raceforwarmth.com.

Downtown location changes

Customers with ComCare appointments or walk-in visitors should know the offices have moved. ComCare is now on the north side of the building at 1200 Fort Vancouver Way in Vancouver, near a new dedicated parking lot. And customer service has temporarily moved to the south side of the building while safety and accessibility upgrades are completed in the lobby area.

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.