LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity (KEO) continues its commitment to supporting families in need with the announcement of the start of its Hawai‘i Home Energy Assistance Program or H-HEAP.
“We recognize the significant impact that energy costs can have on low-income households, especially during periods of economic uncertainty,” said KEO Chief Executive Officer MaBel Ferreiro Fujiuchi. “Our comprehensive suite of assistance programs aims to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions to those in need.”
Formerly known as LIHEAP, H-HEAP is a vital program that provides crucial support to low income households with a one-time payment toward their electric or gas bill. Household may only receive one type of H-HEAP payment per program year that runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.
Energy Credit, or EC, helps needy households who are not in crisis but need assistance with bill payment for the heating and cooling of their residence. Applications for EC are only accepted from June 1 through June 30.
Energy Crisis Intervention, or ECI, helps needy households in crisis where the electric or gas service has been, or will be disconnected, and the household has been notified by a disconnection notice from the utility company. Applications for ECI are accepted year-round.
Additionally, KEO announces other assistance pr0grams like the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Charitable Foundation Assistance Fund that provides emergency assistance to customer who are past due on their electric bill payments and facing financial difficulty. Additionally, the fund can help with the purchase of energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioners.
The Weatherization Assistance Program provides energy-saving education and installation of free energy-saving devices, such as solar water heaters, refrigerators and LED light bulbs at no cost to eligible households.
“We encourage all eligible households to take advantage of these valuable resources and reach out to KEO for more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply,” Ferreiro Fujiuchi said.
For information, call Jason Honjiyo at 808-245-4077, ext. 242.
