How to Get Help Paying an Electric Bill in Maine
It should come as no surprise to Mainers that their cost per kilowatt hour rate at is the fourth highest in the contiguous United States, surpassed only by Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. According to the Energy Information Administration, New England's electric rates are higher than any other region in the nation. Combine that with the traditional long cold winters of the region and many Mainers face difficulties in paying the electrical bill each winter. Getting help can be a challenge, but there are resources available.
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Things You'll Need
- Account Numbers
- Household Expenses
- Proof of Income
- Social Security Numbers
Instructions
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Contact your local Community Action Agency (see resources) to complete an application for the Low Income heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and a Low Income Assistance Plan (LIAP). Both applications will require social security numbers for all members of the household, a copy of your utility bill, and proof of income. You should also be prepared to provide your landlord's phone number and address and produce evidence of the cost of rent or mortgage. A family of four must have an income less than $36,040 to qualify. (see resources for income chart).
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Visit your local town office to apply for General Assistance. Be prepared to provide proof of income and expenses. Your town is obligated to provide assistance for the needy and has a formula to calculate the amount of assistance you are qualified to receive. In emergency situations, your town may be able to provide immediate assistance.
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Visit the Maine211 website. This site has a searchable data base of services in Maine. Select the search feature in the upper left-hand corner and begin using the search engine to look for services. Type the service you need, in this case electricity, and hit "Search." You will be prompted to add your zip code and services in your area will be displayed. Print off the list of available services and contact the individual agencies listed.
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Ask for a specific list of the items you will need in order to complete an application with any organization you contact. Some require specific items that you may not think of. Write down the list and gather all the paperwork prior to going to the meeting to save time and prevent delays in processing.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact your local churches. Many faith based organizations provide assistance to people in their local area and may be able to provide you with other resources.
