By Charlotte Lane
Public Service Commission
Chairman
As winter approaches, it is time to start preparing for the heating season. All around the world, the cost of fuel is higher than last year. While the Public Service Commission doesn’t control the cost of natural gas, coal or any other fuel source – those prices are determined by the open market – we know heating bills will be higher this year. Sadly, such increases always hit hardest on those who are most vulnerable, so I want to spread the word that help is available.
If a person is eligible to receive financial assistance through the Department of Health and Human Resources, one is probably also eligible for a discounted rate on one’s heating bill. The Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program, better known as the 20% Discount Program, is administered by DHHR and is available from all natural gas and electric utilities, except municipal or cooperative service providers. West Virginia American Water Company also participates in the program.
In order to qualify for the rate reduction, a person must receive assistance from at least one of the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously called Food Stamps, if the recipient is at least 60 years old; Social Security Supplemental Security Income; or WV WORKS, previously called Aid to Families with Dependent Children and Temporary Aid to Needy Families. A person must receive these program benefits between November and March to receive the reduced rate for the gas and/or electric bills issued for those months. The discount program for West Virginia American Water runs year round.
While DHHR administers the program, individual utilities are responsible for determining who will be granted the reduced rate. If a person qualifies to apply for the discount, DHHR will notify one. Then a person may contact one’s utility companies to apply. If a person has not been contacted, but feel that one should qualify, contact the local DHHR office to ask for a review.
Last year the 20% Discount Program saved West Virginians more than $6.5 million on their heating and water bills. If a person combines this resource with the federally-funded LIHEAP assistance, it could give a person just the edge one needs to stay comfortable and warm this winter.
