DES MOINES, Iowa – (Oct. 30, 2023) – As winter approaches, MidAmerican Energy reminds customers that there may be winter heating bill assistance options available for those who need it.

 

State agencies that administer home heating assistance through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, now – or soon will – accept applications for energy assistance.

 

“For customers who are struggling financially, LIHEAP is a lifeline that helps them stay safe and warm in the winter through energy assistance,” Mike Gehringer, vice president of customer operations for MidAmerican Energy, said. “We encourage customers who need help to check whether they qualify for LIHEAP funding and, if they do qualify, please apply for it.”

 

Beyond LIHEAP, there may be other assistance available. Customers are urged to contact their local community action agency about available payment assistance options.

 

MidAmerican customers who have received a disconnection notice are encouraged to call the company at 888-427-5632 to discuss possible payment options.

 

State energy assistance programs in MidAmerican’s service area
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides LIHEAP funding to states, which administer their own programs.

 

• Illinois LIHEAP
  To be eligible for LIHEAP in Illinois, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2023 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $29,160, and a family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $60,000.
  
  The program began taking applications on October 2nd for people 60 and older, disabled and families with children under six years old. On November 1st, households that have been disconnected or have received a disconnection notice can start applying for LIHEAP assistance. All other income-eligible households can start applying on December 1st. The program will accept applications through August 15, 2024, or until funding is exhausted. Customers who are eligible for assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
  
  To apply, Illinois residents in Rock Island, Mercer and Henry counties should contact Project NOW, Inc. at projectnow.org or 309-793-6391. Residents can also call the state’s LIHEAP hotline at 833-711-0374.
   
• Iowa LIHEAP
  Community action agencies in Iowa review applications and administer energy assistance funds. Household income and size, type of primary heating fuel, housing type and other factors are considered.
  
  To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2023 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $29,160. A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $60,000.
  
  The program began taking applications October 1st for those 60 years old or older and will accept all other applications beginning November 1st. The program accepts applications through April 30, 2024.
  
  Eligible customers who need help with energy bills should apply for LIHEAP at a local community action agency. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has additional information about the program and eligibility requirements information can also be obtained by dialing 2-1-1.
   
• Nebraska LIHEAP
  The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the state’s LIHEAP assistance.
  
  To be eligible for LIHEAP in Nebraska, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 150% of 2023 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $21,870, and a family of four can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $45,000.
  
  Nebraska customers can apply for assistance now through March 31, 2024, for the 2023-2024 heating season. LIHEAP application forms are available through the ACCESSNebraska website, by phone at 800-383-4278 or at DHHS public assistance offices.
   
• South Dakota LIEAP
  South Dakota’s Department of Social Services distributes Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds on a first-come, first-served basis through March 31, 2024. Eligibility for South Dakota’s LIEAP is based on the number of people in the home, household income, heating source type and location. For example, a single-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $7,290 or less and a four-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $15,000 or less.
  
  South Dakota LIEAP application forms are available at the South Dakota Department of Social Services website, by phone at 800-233-8503 or at local DSS offices.

 

Budget Billing provides predictable monthly bill
Customers who want to avoid month-to-month bill fluctuations can opt for MidAmerican’s Budget Billing program, which allows customers to pay the same amount each month for a set period. The free program does not lower rates or costs but does offer a more predictable bill.

 

How you can help low-income customers this winterTo help those in need, customers can donate to MidAmerican’s I CARE program. I CARE provides funding to local community action agencies to assist low-income residents with heating bills and home weatherization.

 

Customer donations fund I CARE, together with a 25% match from MidAmerican. Tax-deductible donations to the I CARE program stay within the local community and go directly to help those in need. MidAmerican customers can donate to the I CARE program by noting the donation amount on their monthly bill or pledging online.

 

About MidAmerican Energy
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 813,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 789,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available at midamericanenergy.com and company social media channels.