ST. LOUIS, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cold weather
is here and furnaces are working to keep families warm. At this
time of the year, many customers are eligible for heating
assistance funds or unique payment plans to help stay warm. Federal
funds including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) and local programs like DollarHelp are available now for
qualified heating customers.
"We've seen federal funds like LIHEAP decrease in recent years
while the need remains strong. That's why we are encouraging
eligible customers to apply for federal assistance as soon as
possible while funds are still available," said Julie Trachsel, Laclede Gas manager of community
and agency services. "DollarHelp is another way we can help provide
much needed assistance with heating bills," she added.
Although federal funds are only available for a limited time,
Laclede Gas offers DollarHelp assistance throughout the year
regardless of the heating source. Last year alone, nearly 3,000
families kept warm thanks to DollarHelp funds. In partnership with
the United Way, Laclede Gas covers all of the administrative costs
of the program so every dollar donated directly helps those in
need. To donate customers should simply check the red box on their
bill to donate $1 a month on their
gas bill or visit www.DollarHelp.org today.
To apply for federal funds or DollarHelp, residents can work
with their local social service agency. In St. Louis City, residents can contact
Urban League and in St. Louis County, residents can contact
Community Action Agency of St. Louis
County. Outside the metro, customers can call United Way at
"2-1-1" to find the appropriate local agency for help.
In addition to funds, the Missouri Cold Weather Rule provides
for the most lenient payment plan available for customers who have
fallen behind on their accounts or need to reconnect their service.
Available now through the end of March, the plan enables an
eligible customer to keep or restore gas service by making an
initial payment and then begin a balanced monthly payment plan.
Assistance is also available year-round for elderly, disabled and
low-income customers. For more information customers can call
Laclede Gas at 314-621-6960 or visit
www.LacledeGas.com/customer/assistance/.
To keep homes energy efficient year-round, weatherization
assistance is available for low-income households. This can include
reducing air infiltration, installing insulation, heating system
repair or replacement, and air quality assessment. To get started
customers can call United Way at "2-1-1" to contact their local
agency.
ABOUT LACLEDE GAS
COMPANY
The Laclede Gas Company has provided safe and reliable natural gas
service to Missouri for more than
150 years. Now including customers from Missouri Gas Energy,
Laclede Gas is the largest gas distribution company in Missouri, delivering some of the nation's
cleanest energy to more than 1.13 million customers. Laclede serves residential, commercial and
industrial customers in St. Louis
and Kansas City metropolitan areas
and 40 counties throughout Missouri. Laclede Gas Company is a subsidiary
of The Laclede Group, Inc., traded on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol LG. For more information, please visit
www.LacledeGas.com.
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SOURCE Laclede Gas Company