Heating bill assistance available

With the sudden onset of much colder temperatures this week, you may be thinking about how to cover your heating bill in the coming months, something many in Wyoming worry about each year.

Whatever your power or heating source, the Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) may be able to help.

LIEAP helps those who may be having trouble being able to pay their electric, natural gas or propane bill, with an emphasis on senior citizens, homes with young children and those with disabilities.

There is also winterization services available to help cut down heating expenses. Those services can include storm windows, insulation, caulking and other related items.

If you are being faced with imminent disconnection of your service, the LIEAP Crisis Exception program is also available.

To qualify, you need to have your main heating source or secondary heating source not operating or completely shut off.

The regular program is a one-time benefit, which you must apply for. You can apply by calling 1-800-246-4221.

Energy Share of Wyoming is another energy bill assistance program available for those who are facing an emergency situation preventing them from being able to pay their bill, a hospitalization, for example or an unexpected financial hardship.

A number of organizations in Wyoming partner together for the program as well as private donators, charities, utility companies, local businesses and others.

Applications can be made over the phone at 303-866-9296.

If you are unsure what you should do or which agency to call, the Help Center in the Common Ground building at the corner of Arapahoe and Fifth Street, is there to help.

Open Tuesday through Thursday, from noon until 3 p.m., the Help Center can assist you with filling out necessary paperwork and help make phone calls or arrangements for other programs that may be available. All assistance from the Help Center is free.