DHS Program Offering Financial Aid For Summer Electricity Bills

A federal program is helping Oklahomans in need stay cool this summer, and Tuesday is the first day to apply.

The program is based on income, the size of your home and available funds through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The program is geared at helping people cool off by paying their utility bills during the hottest months of the year.

DHS said the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helped around 108,000 low-income households last summer. If you’re eligible, you can receive a one-time payment that’ll help pay your cooling bills between June and August.

Conley said they’ll continue to provide funds until the money runs out. He said with many people out of work because of the pandemic, this financial aid could be crucial this summer.

“Folks were using more electricity and more energy to cool their homes, so folks are going to have higher utility bills because of those hot temperatures we faced two or three weeks ago,” said Program Coordinator Matthew Conley.

You’ll have to show a few documents like your ID, social security card, your most recent utility bill and proof of income.

To see if you’re eligible for the program, click here.  

For how to apply, go to https://www.okdhslive.org/

This program also helps with heating bills during the winter.