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(Des Moines, IA) -- The Iowa Utilities Board is encouraging Iowans to apply for winter heating assistance.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's 2022 winter fuels outlook, most U.S. households will pay more to heat their homes this winter. The outlook estimates the increase will be as much as 28% for natural gas and 10% for electricity compared to 2021.
IUB is reminding qualifying Iowans that financial heating assistance is available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services created LIHEAP to help low-income residents pay part of their heating costs. IUB says more than 74,600 Iowa households received LIHEAP funding during the 2021 fiscal year.
Residents approved for the program are protected by Iowa law from being disconnected from natural gas or electric service from November 1st through April 1st. Homes with residents 60 years of age or older, disabled residents, and those in crisis of immediate utility disconnection can apply now. Applications open to the public November 1st.
Eligibility for the program is based on a number of factors, including household size and income, type of housing, and type of fuel.