LIEAP available to help with winter heating bills

The nights are getting colder and some folks may need a little help paying their heating bills through the winter.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is available throughout Wyoming as a federally funded program open to homeowners and renters alike. The program helps cover the costs of electricity, natural gas, propane, wood, diesel heating oil, coal and pellets when used to heat the home.

There are income guidlines that must be met in order to qualify for the program and the application process is simple. The folks at the Department of Family Services (DFS) in Thermopolis are happy to help with your application as are the people down at the Help Center in the Common Ground building.

Along with helping you pay your heating bill, LIEAP recipients may also qualify for other forms of assistance such as weatherization of your home like additional insulation, sealing leaks in the home or winterizing of windows.

Weatherization alone may save you 5-25 percent on your winter heating bill.

Applications for LIEAP services are available any time through Feb. 28.