How to Get Assistance and Save Money on Your Summer Utility Bills

If you are on a strict budget this summer, there are ways to save money or get help on your utility bills. When the air conditioning, central air and fans are running almost non-stop, it can really make your outside meter add up in no time. There are ways to save money on those high summer utility bills and you can also apply for assistance to pay on your account too.

For low income families, senior citizens, residents living on disability, or individuals who have medical complications that require them to be in cool air, the LIHEAP program can offer you relief on your summer electricity bills. Some LIHEAP offices may even be distributing extra fans for free or perhaps vouchers to issue you a fan as well. To apply for LIHEAP, you must contact your nearest LIHEAP office or community action agency to find out when nearby offices will be taking applications. If the government or state is going to issue LIHEAP funds, most of the time, these funds are released between the months of June or July.

Begin calling your nearest LIHEAP or community action agency office around June to see if there is a waiting list for summer funds. If you can get your name to be added to a waiting list, it is likely that you will receive a call or letter to notify you when the application process will begin. Once you receive notification, make an appointment with your local office. Documentation that you will need for your summer LIHEAP appointment will be proof of your past 30 days income (examples include :wages, unemployment stubs, child support, social security/SSI or self employment income), copies of your utility bills and social security cards for everybody in the household. After the application process has been completed, it will take about 30-45 days to receive notification about your possible acceptance or denial. A follow up letter will be mailed to the address you provided on your LIHEAP application. If you are accepted, funds will be directly credited to your electricity account. It will be a one time payment towards your account.

If you are unable to apply for such programs, there are ways to save money on your utility bills to keep your home cool too. Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day when the sun is at its strongest. In the evenings, open your windows to allow cool air to flow in. Use window fans to blow warm air out of your home. Also, keep your thermostat turned to one temperature and leave it there. Constantly changing it will only make your cooling unit work harder going from one extreme to another. 72 degrees is a comfortable temperature for most homes unless you have otherwise been told by your doctor to keep it at something different.

Other ways to stay cool include dressing lightly and staying hydrated. Keep plenty of cool refreshments such as ice water, ice tea, lemonade or Popsicles available. To have some fun family time with the children, engage in water balloon fights to cool off or head to your nearby public pool. This will not only allow you to stay cool, but offer some useful summer exercise as well. If you find that your home is not cool or needs time to cool off, head to the mall or the nearest shopping center and cool off at the store as you browse the aisles.

This summer, you don't have to suffer from the heat-with some simple strategic planning -it can be possible to beat the heat! Stay hydrated, stay cool by heading to the trees for shade, or apply for assistance on your utility bills if you qualify under the LIHEAP income guidelines. During the summer-there is no reason to go broke. Summer should be time for relaxation, spending time with the family, and enjoying nature in the great outdoors.

2010 LIHEAP Income Guidelines:

Number of Gross Income For People Living In 30 Days Prior to Household Application Date

1 $1,354

2 $1,821

3 $2,289

4 $2,756

5 $3,224

6 $3,691

7 $4,159

8 $4,626

**(add $467.50 for each additional household member)

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