By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
Temperatures have warmed nicely since February's record cold snap, but Evergy customers have started receiving their abnormally high electric bills.
Evergy's electric rates have not gone up, but most customers used more electricity than normal in the first half of February, as temperatures at times plunged into the 20s below zero.
Evergy spokesperson Maria Lopez reminds customers that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is available for families that earn no more than 135 percent of the federal poverty level.
She reminds people that you needn't be disconnected or past due on bills to qualify.
"That's a common misconception," Lopez said. "Just to get the initial application and initial benefit, you just need to apply. That's it. They do not have to be past due."
Lopez says it can take up to 30 days for LIHEAP applications to be processed. The initial application deadline is March 31.
Once an application is approved, customers can become eligible for the winter crisis fund, or Winter ECIP program, which is for those who have past due bills and have received a disconnection notice.
The winter crisis fund is available for Missourians through May 31, and can provide up to $800 in energy assistance.
Lopez also mentions the Economic Relief Pilot Program (ERPP), which is for people that are current on their Evergy bills, or have some sort of payment arrangement set up. This program can provide a credit for up to $65 for a whole year.
"The income guideline for the ERPP is 200 percent of the current poverty level," Lopez said. "So, a family of four annually, that would be about $53,000 a year you could make and still possibly qualify for this program."
In addition, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program is still available for Missourians who need help paying either rent and/or utility bills.
Information and links for all of these programs are available at Evergy.com/financialassistance.
This past year has brought unprecedented challenges, and the extreme cold last month has added even more financial strain. But overall, Lopez feels confident that Evergy is fully prepared to provide help for any customer who needs it.
"I'm really proud of the work we have done," she said, "and I hope our customers are proud of us, too. Just keeping them in the loop of what resources are available."
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