Santee Cooper Power assistance programs.
Any type of financial assistance for paying Santee Cooper Power utility bills is available from referrals. The company partners with social service organizations as well as community action agencies to help funds get to struggling families in their service territory. The primary resource they offer directly is the Smart Energy Loans program, and this will help households conserve energy. More information on their programs is below.
When it comes to reducing the amount of utility bills that the household needs to pay each month, customers can apply for weatherization (which is available from a community action agency) or they can pay for improvements themselves using the Smart Energy Homes Programs. They key difference between them is the federal government weatherization is free to those that qualify while the loans need to be repaid.
Santee Cooper Power customers that have a very low income, or that are living in poverty, should try the US Department of Energy weatherization program. Local community action agencies administer this. There is often a waiting list in place, but when qualified the work that is done may include some or all of the following.
- Extra insulation can be added in the attic, walls, floors, and more.
- Caulking and weather-stripping.
- Some Santee Cooper Power customers may qualify for help in repairing an air conditioner or heating system.
- Tune ups can be completed by weatherization.
- Minor home repairs can be made, if they overlap with conservation.
As noted, applications need to be made by regional community action agencies. There are several in Horry County and across the state. More information on the process and contact information is below.
Low interest loans can be used for improving energy efficiency or paying for reneweables, such as solar panels. Or it can help with adding equipment to new homes in the Santee Cooper Power service territory. Anywhere from $500 to $40,000 may be issued to the client. Smart Energy Loans can pay for the installation of Solar Water Heater, High Efficiency Electric Heat Pumps, Replacement Windows, General Weatherization, Ducts, Heat Pumps, and more. As with any loan, the funds need to be repair using an agreement upon payment plan.
Cash grants can be available in South Carolina from LIHEAP. Santee Cooper Power customers can apply for these at a local community action agency. The funds will go towards senior citizens, the disabled, and families with young children first. Only if there is surplus money (which is not common) may other Santee Cooper Power customers be able to get help.
Applications need to be submitted in the fall months/late summer in order to be enrolled for the following year. The elderly in the region will be able to apply first. The customer service team at Santee Cooper Power can refer clients to the application sites, but other than that they are not involved in the disbursement of the grants.
LIHEAP will only pay for some of the utilities of what the Santee Cooper Power customer may owe. The family will also need to make a substantial payment on their own as well. So this government program can help low income families, but it is not an end in itself.
How to apply for Santee Cooper Power financial assistance programs
Any type of financial assistance from LIHEAP or weatherization is offered by referrals only. Customers should contact a South Carolina community action agency to apply for support. When it comes to the Smart Energy Loans program, Santee Cooper Power customers can dial 1-800-804-7424 for more information.
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