Energy Assistance

LIHEAP (Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federally funded program that assists low-income households in making home heating more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility services during the winter months, and maintain a warm, safe, and healthy environment for their families. Clients must meet income eligibility guidelines to qualify. The best time to call the CAP office to find out when to sign up for this program is during the first week in November.

Warm Neighbor Program is a Cowlitz PUD Program administered by CAP. The funds for this program come from community donations. The clients must meet income eligibility guidelines, have electric as their primary heating source and be in an emergency situation.

Warm Neighbor Plus Program is a Cowlitz PUD program administered by CAP. Funds for this program come from the 2009 settlement between the State of Washington and Enron. This is a special fund for 2010 only. Income must fall between 125%and 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. The program will run until December 31, 2010 or the funds are depleted, whichever comes first. The clients must meet income guidelines, have electric as their primary heat source and be in an emergency situation.

Winter Help Fund and WEAF (Washington Energy Assistance Fund) are Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) programs administered by CAP. The funds for these programs come from CNG and community donations. The clients must be CNG customers, meet income eligibility guidelines, an be in an emergency situation.

The Senior Discount Rate Program, is a Cowlitz PUD program administered by CAP. This program gives a 5%, 15% or 25% discount to low income senior residential PUD customers on their monthly bills. Customers must be 65+, must occupy the subject premise, must have lived at residence the past 12 consecutive months, must be legally responsible for payment of the PUD account and meet the income guidelines. This rate is not available on secondary or seasonal residences. Sign-up period begins mid August and ends mid November.

Disabled Discount Rate Program is a Cowlitz PUD program administered by CAP. This program gives low-income disabled residential PUD customers either a 5%, 15% or 25% discount on their monthly electric bills. Customers must be receiving a disability income, provide documentation of occupy the subject premise, must have lived at residence the past 12 consecutive months, must legally be responsible for payment of the PUD account and meet the income guidelines. This rate is not available or secondary or seasonal residences. Sign-up period begins mid August and ends mid November.

If you think you may qualify for one of these programs or want more information please call CAP at 360-425-3430 or stop by 1526 Commerce Ave., Longview.