Columbia Gas of Virginia encourages residents needing financial assistance for utility bills to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which opens on Tuesday, October 11 and continues through Monday, November 14, 2016.
The Virginia Department of Social Services administers the federally-funded LIHEAP program through the Virginia Energy Assistance program. During this four week period, eligible consumers can make applications at their local Department of Social Services office. The income levels used to determine eligibility are listed below.
2016-2017 Virginia Fuel Assistance Eligibility Criteria
Must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
| Family Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| 1 | $1,287 | $15,444 |
| 2 | $1,736 | $20,826 |
| 3 | $2,184 | $26,208 |
| 4 | $2,633 | $31,590 |
| 5 | $3,081 | $36,972 |
| Families of more than (5) add $451/monthly or $5,408/year for each additional family member. | The Fuel Assistance Program in Virginia is based on need. |
“We encourage our customers to contact their local social services office and apply for energy assistance now so they can benefit this winter,” said Brent Archer, president of Columbia Gas of Virginia. “Each year more than 3,300 families served by Columbia Gas benefit from energy assistance and we don’t want anyone to miss the enrollment opportunity.”
In addition, Columbia Gas customers are encouraged to take advantage of the company’s WarmWise energy efficiency program which offers free energy saving materials, conservation tips and rebates to help manage energy use.
To learn about eligibility requirements go to www.dss.virginia.gov or call 2-1-1. Columbia Gas of Virginia customers can also call its Energy Assistance Hotline at 1.800.272.2714 for assistance support or log on to www.columbiagasva.com to find the local Department of Social Services offices serving their community.
For more information on bill payment options, energy assistance and other information please go to www.columbiagasva.com, click on Manage Your Account or call Columbia Gas of Virginia’s Customer Contact Center at 1.800.543.8911.
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