Alliant Energy Iowa assistance programs.
A few programs are offered or coordinated by Alliant Energy for qualified customers. A priority is often on meeting the needs of the elderly, senior citizens, and eligible low income families with children. The company will try to work with families in Iowa to prevent a disconnection, provide them with conservation measures or discounts, and other support.
Many of the working poor and very low income households can get assistance from LIHEAP. There is both a regular, one time grant that can be paid out as well as emergency or crisis aid. This is funded and available across the nation and is the country’s biggest, low income energy bill program.
LIHEAP is an initiative that helps low-income households, mostly during the winter. Most of the grants are available for paying heating bills and/or postponing a disconnection. During a hot summer stretch, there may be some funds for paying cooling bills. There are a number of income limits and ranges in place that need to be met by applicants. Aid tends to be focused on the very low income Alliant Energy customers.
One of the programs administered directly by Alliant, often in partnership with local Iowa non-profits, is the Hometown Care Energy Fund. The goal is to prevent people from being left out in the cold. The program is paid for by Alliant Energy and its many caring shareowners, customers, and employees as well, so it relies on donations.
People may fall behind on their bills for many reasons. It can be due to unemployment or unexpected debts, such as a medical emergency. There are many other reasons families or households may fall behind on paying their energy or heating bills. Unfortunately some people may even have to occasionally make a choice between paying their bills or buying food.
The Hometown Care Energy Fund provided by Alliant Energy offers Iowa residents with free, confidential financial help. Once again, aid is targeted at the disabled, elderly, and lower income families trying to make ends meet. All of the funds are paid out to community-based non-profit organizations or human service groups. They oversee the program locally and will distribute the money to people in need.
Also, please donate if you can. If you contribute to the Hometown Care Fund, your generous donation goes directly to struggling neighbors in need in your immediate area. As mentioned, funds for paying utility bills will be administered by local community action programs.
Some of the application conditions include the following. Applicants need to meet income guidelines established by the LIHEAP / Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, however some exceptions can be made for hardships. The customer needs to be using natural gas or electric service.
The applicant also needs to be over the age 60 and living on a fixed income with no alternative source of funds. Or they can be temporarily or permanently disabled and unable to work and can’t be economically self-sufficient. An Alliant Energy customer's payment history may also play a role in the selection for a Hometown Care Energy Fund grant. If you paid your bills on time in the past then that can help your application be approved. Also, renters may qualify if they pay their own energy bills and meet other federal government LIHEAP income guidelines.
To apply or contribute, call 1-800-255-4268. Some non-profits, such as the Salvation Army in Iowa, may also have information on the program.
Alliant works with community action agencies and the U.S. Department of Energy to provide conservation from the free weatherization program. This federal resource will also increase the energy efficiency of homes, whether rental or owner occupied, for low-income families. The goal is to reduce their energy costs and help them save money all while safeguarding their health and safety.
The program is free to those that qualify and state of Iowa community action agencies administer the program. Highly trained contractors install permanent cost-effective measures, including offering energy education, Insulation, Furnace repair/replacement (non-emergency), Air leak reduction, and complete free energy audits.
Alliant Energy can be reached at 1-800-255-4268. Learn more about these and other energy bill assistance programs that are available in Iowa.
|
