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More District Residents to Get Help With Utility Bills

Monday, August 18, 2008

Media Contact: Alan Heymann (202) 741-2136

Washington, DC—About 1,000 more low-income residents will receive energy assistance from the District Government this year. Nearly 30,000 residents have already received grants toward their utility bills, totaling almost $18 million.

“Even though we’ve had a fairly mild summer, energy costs are going up,” said DDOE Director George S. Hawkins. “These extra energy grants will literally keep the lights, the air conditioning or the stove on for our constituents who need help.”

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), typically closes in June when its funds run out for the year. This year, LIHEAP operated until August 8. An infusion of funds from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development has added $1.3 million to the program, meaning it will remain open until Fiscal Year 2008 ends September 30.

LIHEAP provides one-time grants (typically between $250 and $1,000) for low-income residents who have received a disconnection notice for electricity or gas service, or who are already disconnected. The amount of assistance is based on household size, total household income, heating source, and type of dwelling.

To apply for a grant, residents can visit the DDOE Energy Office at the Frank Reeves Municipal Center, 2000 14th Street, NW (Suite 300 East) or call the Energy Office Hotline at (202) 673-6750.

Applications are also available online at: ddoe.dc.gov/energy

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