FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can the Idaho PUC help me?
Does the PUC provide financial assistance?
Where can I go for help in paying my utility bills?
What other types of assistance are available?
What is LIHEAP (“Energy Assistance”)?
Who administers LIHEAP?
Can LIHEAP funds help pay my home heating bill?
When can I apply for LIHEAP, weatherization or heating system repairs?
How do I qualify for LIHEAP or weatherization benefits?
How much money can I expect to receive from Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)?
Where do I apply for Energy Assistance?
Can I get emergency help if I don’t have heat or have received a disconnection notice?
Do any Idaho energy utilities have programs to help customers?
Are there other programs and organizations that can help me?
Do any utilities offer rebates on energy efficient appliances or for switching fuel sources?
Where can I get help with repairing my home?
How can I use a Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation loan?
Where can I get more information about Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation loans?
Are there any other places I can get loans to help with weatherization or energy efficiency?
Do any utilities have loan programs for financing weatherization or energy efficiency measures?
What other energy efficiency incentives are available?
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
Can the EITC refund I receive be used to pay my utility bill?
How do I qualify for EITC?
Where can I get more information about EITC?

How can the Idaho PUC help me?

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission regulates investor-owned utilities operating within the state. List of Utilities The Consumer Assistance Staff helps utility customers understand their rights and responsibilities. The Staff can help customers negotiate payment arrangements with regulated utilities.

Does the PUC provide financial assistance?

No, the PUC does not provide financial assistance to those unable to pay their utility bills.

Where can I go for help in paying my utility bills?

The Commission has developed a list of resources to aid customers who need financial assistance or are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. Some of the organizations offer monetary assistance for winter heating. The list is not all-inclusive, but represents our best effort to identify organizations that provide assistance to Idaho consumers.
List of Resources by County

What other types of assistance are available?

Some organizations offer assistance other than money, such as weatherization services. These organizations are included in the list of resources developed by the Commission.
List of Resources by County

What is LIHEAP (“Energy Assistance”)?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is often referred to as “Energy Assistance”, helps eligible households with home heating costs in Idaho. Low-income households may apply for LIHEAP funds at the Community Action Agencies in most larger communities in Idaho. The Nez Perce Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes offer financial assistance to tribal members.

Who administers LIHEAP?

The Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare, administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance and Weatherization Programs in Idaho. The Division subcontracts with the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho (CAPAI) to provide weatherization, energy assistance and community services block grant services to low income participants in Idaho. CAPAI in turn contracts with six community action agencies for Energy Assistance, Weatherization and Community Services Block Grants (CSBG), the Canyon County Organization on Aging for weatherization and the Community Council of Idaho (formerly the Idaho Migrant Council) for CSBG services. The Nez Perce Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes also administer LIHEAP funds available to tribal members.

Can LIHEAP funds help pay my home heating bill?

Yes. A one-time yearly benefit is issued to eligible recipients to help with payment for a primary source of heat in a home. Heating sources may include electricity, gas, coal, wood, propane and oil. The organization issues payment directly to the natural gas and electric utilities. For other fuels, payment is made directly to the applicant.
List of Resources by County

When can I apply for LIHEAP, weatherization or heating system repairs?

Applications for LIHEAP are accepted by administering organizations beginning November 1 continuing through March 31 each year, although the ending date may be extended. Applications for weatherization and heating system repairs are accepted throughout the year.

How do I qualify for LIHEAP or weatherization benefits?

Applicants for energy assistance or weatherization benefits must meet income guidelines that include all sources of available income for the previous three months. All information obtained from applicants is considered confidential. After the application process is completed, agency personnel will inform applicants of their eligibility for assistance.
Income Poverty Guidelines

How much money can I expect to receive from Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)?

The actual benefit amount depends on many different factors such as the number of family members, the source of home heating (gas, electricity or wood), and the location of the home. For benefit year 2008 - 2009, the minimum benefit amount is $136 and the maximum is $999. Typically, applicants in the coldest areas of the state who have the highest heating bills receive the highest benefits. Households with a target member, i.e., elderly, disabled,or a small child under 6 years of age, will receive a “bonus” ($25) in addition to the base amount above.

Where do I apply for Energy Assistance?

Applications are taken by local Community Action Agencies. The Nez Perce Tribe and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes take applications for tribal members. Applicants who previously received benefits last winter do not automatically receive benefits this winter. A new application must be submitted each year. An appointment must be scheduled to make the application.

Can I get emergency help if I don’t have heat or have received a disconnection notice?

Priority is given to emergency applications at the Community Action Agencies. The agencies work with vendors to expedite fuel delivery. An emergency exists if the household has less than 48 hours of bulk fuel (heating oil, propane, wood) to burn, utility service is about to be disconnected or has already been disconnected.

Do any Idaho energy utilities have programs to help customers?

Avista Utilities, Rocky Mountain Power and Idaho Power all contribute money to the Community Action Agencies in their respective areas to help low income customers weatherize their homes. You may be referred for help with weatherization when you apply for LIHEAP at the Community Action Agency in your area.
List of Resources by County

Click on the following links for the utility that serves you for additional information on weatherization and energy efficiency:
Idaho Power Company
Avista Utilities
Rocky Mountain Power
Intermountain Gas

Are there other programs and organizations that can help me?

In addition to LIHEAP, utilities sponsor energy assistance programs. PROJECT SHARE (northern and southwestern Idaho) and PROJECT WARMTH (southeast Idaho) offer financial assistance for residential energy emergencies and are considered fuel blind. The programs also help with energy-related equipment repairs. The utilities collect contributions from employees, customers and shareholders to fund the programs. Donations also can be made directly to the Salvation Army or American Red Cross. Interested applicants need to contact a Salvation Army Corps office, the local American Red Cross office (southeast Idaho) or a local Project Share representative. Rocky Mountain Power sponsors its own assistance program, LEND-A-HAND, available only to customers of the company. The money for the fund comes from customer and company donations. The program is administered by the Eastern Idaho Community Action partnership (EICAP) in Idaho Falls and the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICAA) in Pocatello. County welfare benefits are available if necessary to provide assistance for utility bills. The county will accept applications for help with utility bills, medical needs, and other basic living needs. Recipients may be asked to repay all or part of their assistance within a designated time or contribute a share of their own monies toward the financial request for aid.
List of Resources by County

The Idaho Careline (211) provides information and referral services. It links people to local community resources throughout Idaho, connecting callers with programs that keep families safe, healthy and self-sufficient. Contact the Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1. If you are using a cell phone and 2-1-1 does not work, call 1-800-926-2588. You may also use the following link:
Idahocareline.org

Do any utilities offer rebates on energy efficient appliances or for switching fuel sources?

Idaho Power customers who purchase a new manufactured home with the Super Good Cents or ENERGY STAR label will be eligible for a $300 rebate. There are incentives for replacing or installing electric energy efficient heating and/or cooling equipment. Contact the Company or see the following link for more information on the Company's Various Programs:
Idaho Power Rebates
Idaho Power Incentives

Avista has numerous incentives (rebates), with conditions, for high efficiency equipment, weatherization and windows, and conversions from electric forced air furnaces or electric baseboard to a central natural gas space heating. There are additional rebates listed on their website, including new construction incentives. Contact the Company or use the following link for more information.
Avista Rebates

Intermountain Gas gives a $200 rebate to customers who convert their heating system from another energy source, such as electric or heating oil, to at least a 90% efficient natural gas furnace. However, gas-to-gas conversions, including conversions from low to high efficiency gas furnaces, do not qualify for the rebate program. To find out more information, contact Intermountain Gas Company or click on the following link:
Intermountain Gas Rebates

Where can I get help with repairing my home?

Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation, a division of the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, formerly known as Farmers Home Administration (FmHA), provides loans in rural areas to finance repairs on homes, including manufactured homes. Home repair loans are offered to families with very low incomes. Evidence of home ownership is required.

How can I use a Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation loan?

The loan funds can be used for the following needs:
1. Installation or repair of sanitary water and waste disposal systems
2. Connection fees for utility hookups
3. Insulation, storm windows and doors
4. Roof repair or replacement
5. Replacement of deteriorated siding
6. Repair or replacement of heating systems
7. Upgrade of electrical wiring
8. Repair or remodel of homes to make them more easily accessible and usable for elderly or handicapped persons
9. Repair of mobile/manufactured homes to remove any health and safety hazards. The mobile/manufactured home must be on a permanent foundation

Where can I get more information about Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation loans?

Applicants can go to their local county office of Rural Development for further information. The office address can be found in the local telephone directory under “U.S. Government – Agriculture” or write directly to the:

USDA Office of Rural Development
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite A-1
Boise, ID 83709
208-378-5630

The website for the Boise office is at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/id/

Are there any other places I can get loans to help with weatherization or energy efficiency?

The Idaho Department of Water Resources offers low interest loans at 4% for up to five years. There is an application online for applicants to use:
State of Idaho Energy Loans

Do any utilities have loan programs for financing weatherization or energy efficiency measures?

Avista Utilities has teamed up with the Sterling Savings Bank to finance permanent energy projects such as natural gas main hook-ups and conversions to natural gas, gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. The bank will loan up to $10,000 to qualified applicants to fund eligible projects.
Avista Energy Loan Program

What other energy efficiency incentives are available?

Visit the ENERGY STAR website for information on Energy Star incentives, including purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified new home:
www.energystar.gov
There is also information on federal tax credits for energy efficiency:
Tax Credits

What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), sometimes called the Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a refundable Federal Income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The credit reduces the amount of Federal tax owed and may result in a refund check. If the EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit.

Can the EITC refund I receive be used to pay my utility bill?

It is up to you to decide what to do with your refund. Utility customers sometimes use EITC refunds to pay gas or electric bills that accumulated during the heating season. However, utilities are not obligated to wait for payment or delay a scheduled disconnection of service until a customer receives a tax refund.

How do I qualify for EITC?

Income and family size determine the amount of the EITC. The EITC Eligibility Checklist, located on the last page of IRS’ Publication 596, Earned Income Credit, may be used to quickly determine eligibility for the credit.

Where can I get more information about EITC?

For more information concerning the EITC, consult the following links:

EITC Overview
Earned Income Credit
Frequently Asked Questions
Publication 596