As colder weather approaches, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) is reminding customers of programs and services available to help with their energy bills. Customers who may need assistance this winter are encouraged to seek help early.
Customers can learn more about assistance programs, budget billing and payment arrangements by calling 1-800-365-3234, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by visiting National Fuel’s website, NationalFuel.com.
LIHEAP Opening
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens today, Monday, Nov. 2. Eligibility for the federally funded program is based on income guidelines and household size. For example, a family of four with an annual income of $49,500 may qualify for a grant.
Through LIHEAP, Pennsylvania residents may be eligible for a one-time grant of up to $1,000. Funds are paid directly to the household’s utility to help with heating costs. Funding is limited and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, visit LIHEAPhelps.com or call 1-877-443-2743.
When applying for LIHEAP, customers are encouraged to check the data sharing box to allow their information to be shared with their utility. This may help National Fuel identify other assistance programs customers may qualify for and make enrollment in those programs quicker and easier.
Customer Assistance Program
National Fuel’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) offers eligible customers affordable monthly payments and the opportunity to have outstanding balances forgiven upon enrollment. CAP is available to residential customers with a household income equal to or lesser than 150% of federal poverty income guidelines. Customers who are eligible for LIHEAP will be eligible for CAP. To apply, visit NationalFuel.com/applycap.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to payment assistance programs, National Fuel encourages customers to take simple steps to manage winter energy use, including adjusting thermostat settings when away from home or sleeping, sealing drafts around windows and doors, and regularly changing or cleaning furnace filters.
Smell gas? Leave fast!
As always, if you smell gas, leave fast! If a rotten-egg natural gas odor is present, leave the premises immediately and call National Fuel’s 24/7/365 emergency line at 1-800-444-3130, from a different location. If you smell gas outdoors, leave the area immediately, call National Fuel’s emergency number and provide the address nearest to the site of the odor. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit www.nationalfuel.com/utility/gas-safety/.