Home heating bill assistance available for Delawareans in need
Sen. Tom Carper joined representatives from organizations that help Delawareans pay their home heating bills at First State Community Action Agency Feb. 4.
Carper highlighted the help that is available through the Delaware Energy Assistance Program during especially cold winter months. The federally funded program is for low-income families that need help in meeting their home energy costs. The Division of State Service Centers administers this program with Catholic Charities Inc.
Sussex County residents interested in applying can go to www.dhss.delaware.gov or call 302-856-6310.
“In times of need, the people of Delaware are always willing to lend a helping hand in their communities,” said Carper. “Thank you to the hardworking men and women from Catholic Charities, Delmarva Power, Chesapeake Utilities, the Salvation Army and First State Community Action Agency for coming together in Georgetown this morning to highlight important energy assistance programs and resources that can assist Delawareans who may need a little extra help with their heating bills during the winter.”
The Salvation Army and Delmarva Power have partnered on the Good Neighbor Energy Fund to help Delawareans who do not qualify for any other emergency heating assistance. For every $3 donated, Delmarva Power donates $1, and the funds are held and administered by Salvation Army Delaware. To learn more, Delawareans can go to www.delmarva.com.
The Delaware Electric Cooperative created Operation Share for Kent and Sussex counties for residents who need help paying their DEC bills when they are presented with a shutoff notice or when they run out of fuel. Delaware Electric Cooperative customers who need more information can go to www.delaware.coop.
Chesapeake Utilities’ Sharing program is a nonprofit organization that provides funds to the company’s natural gas and propane customers living on the Delmarva Peninsula. Annual grants are for as much as $1,000. Chesapeake Utilities customers can learn more at www.chesapeakesharing.com.
First State Community Action Agency’s emergency services department is able to help those who have past due balances on their utility bill. The organization also offers energy education and the Replace, Repair Heaters and Conserve Energy Program. To learn more, Delawareans can go to www.firststatecaa.org.
