How to Get Help with Utility Bills in Virginia

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Categories: How Tos | Home & Garden | Money | Personal Finance | Financial Problems & Crises

  • Utility bills can take a big chunk out of a household budget. It’s very expensive to heat a house in the winter and cool it in the summer. And utility bills seem to only go up, up and up! What happens if the head of a Virginia household suddenly finds themselves unemployed as winter hits? What if there is very little money left during the extreme Virginia heat in August? Well, there is hope and residents can learn how to get help with utility bills in Virginia if they just know where to look.

  • Tips

    • Did you know that almost 20% of heat loss is due to leaks and a poorly ventilated home? Weather stripping your windows may help combat this issue!
    • Save money on your light bill by replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones which can cut costs by almost 75%!


  • Introduction

    If you live in Virginia and you’re experiencing trouble paying your utility bills, you may be able to get assistance. There are programs available to help residents of Virginia with heating and cooling their homes, weatherization, fuel assistance and other utility issues. Don’t wait until winter or the dead of summer to reach out for assistance. Start early if you think you might need help with your utility bills this year.

  • Step 1: Heating Assistance

    Low income residents of Virginia may be eligible for assistance with their heating bills by contacting an agency like Citizens Energy. This corporation works in partnership with Citgo to provide home heating oil to low-income families. The Virginia Department of Social Services also may help eligible households with heating bills. You must apply by the second Friday in November to be eligible for heating assistance in the upcoming winter.http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/fuel/index.html http://www.citizensenergy.com/main/Home.html

  • Step 2: Cooling Assistance

    Residents of Virginia may be eligible to receive cooling assistance in extreme heat situations. Again, this depends on eligibility factors such as income and citizenship. This assistance is made possible through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This program may assist eligible households with payment of electric bills to operate cooling equipment, payment of electric security deposits, repair of central air equipment or purchase or replacement of a cooling unit.http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/cooling/index.cgi

  • Step 3: Weatherization Assistance

    One major way that utility bills increase in households is because many homes are not properly weatherized. Heat or cool air can escape through leaks in the home which may be caused by cracks, improper insulation or through doors and windows. Residents of Virginia may be eligible for weatherization assistance that may help lower utility bills. If heat and cool air are staying in the home, you won’t be adjusting your thermostat and increasing your utility bills as a result. The U.S. Department of Energy funds the Weatherization Assistance Program as a way to help low-income families reduce utility bills.http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/HousingPreservationRehabilitation/Weatherization_Assistance.htm

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