County has received funding from the State Department of Community Services and Development for more than 25 years wherein County provides energy bill assistance payments and weatherization services to county residents who are income eligible through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (HEAP). Energy saving measures may provide homes with hot water heaters, furnaces, refrigerators, microwaves, doors, windows, energy-saving light bulbs, weather stripping, ceiling fans, and attic insulation. Homes with gas appliances receive a combustion appliance safety test that checks for carbon monoxide gas leakage and are provided with a carbon monoxide alarm. Residents can also qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides a credit on their energy bills. Additional funding will allow increased services and community outreach.
The board approved the original agreement on October 8, 2019 (c.36). The board approved first amendment to accept additional funds for $1,945,169 on March 10, 2020 (c.49). The Board approved a second amendment to accept additional funds $835,237.00 on July 14, 2020 (c.46). This board order is to extend term limit from June 30, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
If not approved, County may not recieve funding to operate LIHEAP.
LIHEAP funding supports one of the community outcomes established in the Children's Report Card, #4 "Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing" by the provision of home energy assistance to keep households warm in winter and to increase household energy efficiency.