Appalachian Power wants customers to be aware of federal funds available to assist with energy costs.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) are federal grants that can help income-eligible customers reduce their electric bills at select times throughout the year.
Appalachian Power customers in Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia can contact their state LIHEAP or LIEAP agency to determine eligibility and apply. State-specific programs and resources are available at the links below.
"Both LIHEAP and LIEAP are impactful programs that can help customers who need it most," said Appalachian Power President & COO Aaron Walker. "We encourage those who may be eligible for the programs to learn more about their benefits and apply."
- Tennessee: LIHEAP provides assistance with electric bills to qualifying customers in Tennessee. Customers can view more information on the Tennessee Housing Development Agency's website.
- Virginia: Utility bill assistance is available to qualifying customers through LIHEAP in Virginia. Cooling Assistance is one component of LIHEAP in Virginia that can help cover cooling-related energy costs. Applications for Cooling Assistance are accepted until August 15. Customers can view more information on Virginia CommonHelp's website.
- West Virginia: The LIEAP Emergency Repair and Replacement Program is available to qualifying homeowners in limited circumstances where there is a life-threatening crisis related to a broken heating/cooling system. Utility bill assistance is not available through LIEAP during the summer months. Customers can view more information on https://dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/programs/Pages/LIEAP.aspx for utility assistance available in West Virginia.
Availability will vary based on funding allowance and application deadlines. Applicants must meet certain income, household, and other requirements to be eligible.
Appalachian Power customers may also be eligible for other forms of payment assistance. The company's Payment Assistance webpage shows customers how they may be able to receive a payment extension, establish a payment arrangement, participate in state and federal programs, and more.
Periods of extreme weather - such as the summer months - can increase a customer's energy usage and bills. Appalachian Power's Average Monthly Payment (AMP) program allows customers to receive stable bills throughout the year.
"We want to work with our customers to find what option will benefit them most," said Walker. "We recognize that every situation is unique, and we're here to discuss the options and resources you may have."
Appalachian Power customers who have questions about bill payments can visit AppalachianPower.com/Assistance or contact the company directly.
Appalachian Power has 1.1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee (as AEP Appalachian Power). It is part of American Electric Power, which is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions. AEP's approximately 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electricity transmission system and more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP is also one of the nation's largest electricity producers, with nearly 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity.
