By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
Evergy customers who need help with high winter utility bills have some help available to them.
Evergy announced that Kansas residents can apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIEAP, through March 29, while Missouri residents can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, all year long.
Evergy spokesperson Courtney Lewis says the utility does not disconnect customers for overdue bills when the temperature dips below a certain point.
"Under the cold weather rule, Evergy does not disconnect customers for non-payments when temperatures are below the cold weather rule threshold," Lewis explained. "In Missouri, that's 32 degrees (Fahrenheit). In Kansas, that's 35 degrees."
Temperatures over the next 7-10 days are expected to be well above that cold weather rule. The energy assistance programs from Evergy provide a one-time payment to customers who need help with high utility bills. This money is put directly into the customers' accounts.
Lewis adds there are some easy ways to help lower your heating bill during the cold months.
"If you have drafty windows or doors, you can seal them up," she said. "You can go out and get that shrink wrap that goes over your windows. Weather stripping or even towels make a big difference. You can set your thermostat a little lower. If you're using a space heater, use that sparingly and make sure it's not running all of the time."
Customers in need of financial assistance due to high energy bills can apply online and learn more at Evergy.com.
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