The Iowa Utilities Board reminds customers receiving energy assistance that the state’s annual winter home heating moratorium ends on April 1st.
Those that are protected from having their heating service disconnected through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, should contact their local utility company immediately to discuss payment options and avoid disconnection that could begin as soon as April 3rd.
LIHEAP assists qualified homeowners and renters by paying a portion of their primary home heating costs through a one-time payment made directly to the utility or heating fuel vendor. Customers that qualify for LIHEAP or the Weatherization Assistance Program are protected from the shutoff of natural gas or electric service from November 1st to April 1st.
Consumers can still apply for LIHEAP through April 30th. Local community action agencies may have additional resources. Buena Vista County residents can contact the Upper Des Moines Opportunity office in Storm Lake.