Financial Assistance, Utility Bill Assistance

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
CSBG/LIHEAP Director: Doneater Mack
LIHEAP is designed to ensure that low-income households are afforded an opportunity to offset the high cost of energy demands by providing direct financial assistance and energy conservation information.
LIHEAP funds are used to pay energy bills and provide services to help clients consume less energy in their homes. PRVO also uses LIHEAP funds to purchase air conditioners in the summer months for elderly and disabled clients, as well as clients who have serious medical conditions. In addition, LIHEAP funds are used to purchase heaters and other energy related items to help clients who do not have adequate heating in the winter months.

PRVO’s LIHEAP Program is guided by five goals:

To target and provide financial and consumer education to low-income households with the greatest energy needs, taking into account both energy consumption and vulnerability of one or more households members (disabled, elderly, children) while at the same time reducing the client’s burden of energy cost/consumption.

To increase energy affordability.

To increase efficiency of energy consumption.

To perform leveraging activities to serve additional clients or provide a greater level of assistance to stabilize clients.

To perform whole-house weatherization measures using LIHEAP funds, targeting households in which at least one member is elderly, disabled or a small child to reduce the energy cost/consumption of the household.

It is important to note that PRVO does not operate LIHEAP as a stand alone program. LIHEAP and CSBG are integrated into one program through the case management approach. LIHEAP will be used with CSBG to help clients reach stability or self-sufficiency. Individual interested in receiving LIHEAP services should contact their local PRVO office.