How to get help with heating bills

Puget Sound Energy is reminding customers having trouble paying their heating bills that almost $29 million in monetary assistance is available this year from two low-income programs administered by community service agencies. PSE customers can also apply to The Salvation Army Warm Home Fund for emergency, short-term utility bill assistance.

By Reporter Staff • January 20, 2009 3:44 pm

Puget Sound Energy is reminding customers having trouble paying their heating bills that almost $29 million in monetary assistance is available this year from two low-income programs administered by community service agencies. PSE customers can also apply to The Salvation Army Warm Home Fund for emergency, short-term utility bill assistance.

Depending on income and household size, a qualified low-income recipient can receive $750 from PSE’s Home Energy Lifeline Program, or HELP, and up to $1,000 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program bill credits.

The amount of aid given to a PSE electricity or natural gas customer depends on household size, income and energy usage. The program is open to residential customers with household earnings up to 150 percent of the federal poverty standard. For a family of four, the income cap is $2,650 per month.

Contact PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or (425) 452-1234 for more information, or go to www.pse.com. Customers needing contact information for the nearest community service agencies should call 1-866-223-5425.