Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

LIHEAP funding now available for Delmarva Power customers

Delaware Public Media

Delmarva Power is reminding its customers of available energy assistance, available through the federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

 

For Delmarva Power customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bills LIHEAP can help.

“LIHEAP, which is the low-income home-energy program has funding.  It’s federal funding in the State of Delaware to help customers, heating customers, pay their energy bills. The grants are issued first-come, first-served and based on household size and income. And it’s money that does not have to be paid back," said Cynthia Ventresca - a senior community relations specialist for Delmarva Power.

She says to be eligible for LIHEAP, a customer’s annual household income cannot exceed 200-percent of the federal poverty income guidelines in Delaware.

 

Delaware’s maximum monthly household income eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • $2,028 - One-person household
  • $2,750 - Two-person household
  • $3,471 - Three-person household
  • $4,193 - Four-person household

 
Ventresca sees the program as vital.

 

“It’s important because it’s the only federal funding in the State of Delaware to help heating customers. That’s all we have out there federally to help customers with their bills," said Ventresca. "As a senior community relations specialist, I’m out in the communities almost daily and I talk to people that struggle to pay their bills.”

 
Ventresca notes homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible - and customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive money.

Delmarva Power customers in Delaware can take advantage of LIHEAP until March 31, 2019, by applying through their local Catholic Charities office or online at the Division of Health and Social Services website.

 

Kelli Steele has over 30 years of experience covering news in Delaware, Baltimore, Winchester, Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California.