UCHRA Utility Program Could Help With Bills

UCHRA’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program could be an assist to residents struggling to pay utility bills in the wake of COVID-19.

Community Services Manager TaShana Hooks said customers could receive up to $650 in financial aid.

“I know we’ve got a lot of people that are up for disconnections right now,” Hooks said. “We have crisis assistance, that as long as you have a disconnect within 48 hours, we can help customers pay that bill and keep them from being disconnected.”

Hooks said utility customers who haven’t been served since October 2019 and within 60 percent of the state medium income are eligible.

Most utilities across the Upper Cumberland had discontinued disconnections in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many have said they will begin the process of disconnecting customers with overdue bills during the next several weeks.

Hooks said the service is based on a points system, the higher the points the more aid could be available.

“It’s geared more toward our vulnerable population,” Hooks said. “They can receive higher points if they’re disabled, elderly, or have a child under the age of six in the home. They receive more points for that.”

Three different payment amounts are available for eligible customers, including $350, $500, and $650. Hooks said the amount transfers directly to the utility vendor.

LIHEAP is available in 14 Upper Cumberland counties. For more information, visit the UCHRA website.