Record numbers seeking help with their energy bills

By KATU.com Staff Published: Jul 1, 2009 at 7:12 PM PST
Record numbers seeking help with their energy bills
File photo.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Over the next few days you may be tempted to crank up the air conditioner but for some, that simply isn't affordable.

That's where the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) comes in.  It's a federally funded program that helps those in need keep the power on and a record number of people are taking advantage of the help:

  • 50 percent increase in applications compared to last year
  • 116 percent increase in people applying because they are unemployed
  • 40 percent of applicants are first-timers
  • More than 50 percent are either close to having their power disconnected or have already been disconnected

Click here to find out more about the program if you need help.