Mid-Missouri utility providers offer some energy assistance options as winter weather settles in
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
As temperatures drop around freezing for the first time this winter in Mid-Missouri, utility providers are offering some energy assistance options.
Starting Monday through March 31, because of the cold weather rule both the City of Columbia Utilities, Boone Electric, and Ameren said they choose not to shut off services on a day when the National Weather Service has issued a local forecast between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. predicting the temperature will drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit during the following 24 hours.
City of Columbia Utilities spokeman Matt Nestor said, "Any instances whether it's cold, extreme heat or anything like that, our first priority is the customer and safety at the community."
Last winter, some Columbia residents saw a large increase in their utility bills. If someone cannot pay their full bill, they are encouraged to contact the utility company, state they are unable to pay in full, provide monthly or annual income information, make a minimum payment, and enter into a payment agreement.
Page Selby with Ameren, says there are programs available if you're just struggling right now, and also if maybe you're in crisis and you just need help this month or a couple months.
"Programs are also out there for more long term, so if you know that you're going to need help getting through the entire winter, there are programs available for that as well," Selby said.
"We do have a number of assistance programs through Health and Human Services for low-income families, for elderly and disabled. Our utility customer service is also willing to work with any customers for a kind of payment program so that it's not such a big hit all at once," Nestor said.
Nestor also encourages people to work with Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA), as they offer Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding through the state.
"Today marks the first day that those who are elderly meaning 60 and over and or disabled, meaning getting checks from Social Security, can utilize our crisis funds," said CMCA spokeswoman, Colita Harvey.
Meredith Hoenes with Boone Electric says there are options to lower your electric bill. "This would include energy efficiency upgrades like caulking windows and doors, weather stripping around entryways where there are drafts, putting foam inside any outlets and light switches on outside walls, avoid running space heaters (furnaces are more efficient at heating), keep vents and registers free and unblocked, keep thermostats set low and wear more clothes."
"Changing your light bulbs to LED bulbs is another big way to save money on your energy bill. Lighting accounts for about 10% of your energy bill," Selby said.
Nestor said he recommends if you're going to be out of the house for four more hours, go ahead and turn the thermostat down to save money on electric bills.
There are also options for long-term fixes in making your home more energy-efficient. The City of Columbia has a Columbia power partners program that can do an assessment of your house to make sure there are no air leakages or anything like that in the walls.
CMCA also has a similar program called weatherization. Once a family is approved, an auditor will go in and check for common issues that lead to high utility bills like windows, cracks and other problems. CMCA says it can save a family around $250-$300 per year.
Harvey said starting on Dec. 1, the general public will have the opportunity for assistance. "This is families that do not have any disabled members on the elderly members in them, by Dec. 1 starts the first day that we are able to assist those that are the general public."
