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Pennsylvania Office of the Governor News

Governor Rendell Announces Boost in Home Heating Crisis Funds for Low-Income Residents

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 30 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, will increase the maximum crisis benefit from $300 up to $500 to help residents who are in a heating crisis or are in danger of having their utility service terminated.

"The cost of home heating fuel has risen by a third in the last year, forcing many families to face the challenge of heating their homes and keeping their loved ones warm," Governor Rendell said. "By increasing the crisis grant amount and continuing to educate people how to weatherize their homes, we can help families across Pennsylvania stay warm and safe while preventing the use of alternative and unsafe heating sources."

LIHEAP helps low-income households pay for home energy needs during the coldest months and is administered through the Department of Public Welfare. The crisis grant increase was made possible through Pennsylvania's newly received share of more than $44 million of the $450 million in new federal LIHEAP emergency contingency funding offered to states.

In addition, $6.6 million of the new funds will be used by the Department of Community and Economic Development to expand home weatherization assistance for low-income Pennsylvanians. Weatherization increases energy efficiency in their homes by reducing energy costs and increasing comfort while safeguarding health and safety.

LIHEAP crisis grants are authorized for families with heating emergencies, such as furnace repairs, unexpected fuel shortages or those who are in danger of having their utility service terminated. This year, a family of four with an annual income of up to $30,975 can qualify for assistance. LIHEAP recipients who have already received $300 in crisis benefits may now apply for an additional $200 to respond to another home heating crisis.

In most counties, individuals seeking crisis grants should contact their county assistance office. Individuals in the nine counties listed below are encouraged to contact the following agencies that operate the crisis component in their area:

— Allegheny - Allegheny County Department of Human Services, (800) 851-3838;

— Carbon - Carbon County Action Committee, (610) 377-6400;

— Centre - Central PA Community Action Inc., (814) 765-1551, Millheim Family Services, (814) 349-5850;

— Lackawanna - Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency, (570) 963-6836;

— Lancaster - Community Action Program of Lancaster County, (717) 299-7301;

— Luzerne - Commission on Economic Opportunity, (570) 826-0510;

— Philadelphia - Energy Coordinating Agency, (215) 587-0060;

— Wyoming - Commission on Economic Opportunity of Wyoming Co., (570) 836-4090;

— York - Community Progress Council of York County, (717) 846-4600, ext. 249.

Applications for LIHEAP are available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Families can also apply for LIHEAP online at www.compass.state.pa.us.

The LIHEAP program is also part of Governor Rendell's Stay Warm PA initiative. Visit www.staywarmpa.com to find out more about available assistance programs, energy conservation and home weatherization tips.

For more information on LIHEAP, call toll-free, 866-857-7095, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., or visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Household size and income eligibility limits for LIHEAP's 2007-08 season are listed below.

Household Size Income Limit 1 $15,315 2 $20,535 3 $25,755 4 $30,975 5 $36,195 6 $41,415 7 $46,635 8 $51,855

(For each additional person add $5,220).

CONTACT:

Chuck Ardo

717-783-1116

Stacey Witalec, DPW

717-787-4592

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor