At Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC), we pride ourselves on providing various types of support that not only Addresses Immediate Needs, but also Empowers Communities. This month, we would like to highlight our Energy and Environmental Services Department (EES).
To address immediate needs our energy assistance programs are available for households with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy needs. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling practices. We provide federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with home energy bills and energy crises. We offer two programs to address these immediate needs:
Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
Utility Assistance (UA)
ECIP repairs/replaces heating and cooling (HVAC) systems, as well as water heaters, for Vulnerable Populations in emergency cases where this equipment no longer functions. Our Utility Assistance services provide financial assistance with residential utility bill payment, and emergency assistance with residential energy-related crises, such as shut-off notices. If you qualify, you can receive assistance with either your gas or electric bill, in the form of one payment each year. This assistance allows residents to focus on other needs such as food and rent.
To empower communities with sustainable assistance, the LIHEAP Weatherization Program provides minor home repairs to make your home safer and more energy efficient. Our weatherization services help households reduce their energy bills, identify and monitor Carbon monoxide levels, and provide Energy Education to the residents. As a result, your home will be more energy efficient and comfortable with lower energy costs.
The pandemic adversely affected many of the communities we serve. Lost wages and jobs meant families had to make tough choices. The California Public Utilities Commission put a moratorium on utility disconnections due to unpaid utility bills through September 30, 2021. This freeze on utility disconnections, has resulted in families falling deeper into utility debt. In order to combat large utility bills and arrearage amounts there are numerous programs CAP OC can direct residents to.
First, they are able to apply for LIHEAP Utility Assistance by obtaining an application here. Additional funds are now available from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This will enable CAP OC to help those who qualify with additional funds this year for up to $3,000 in Utility Assistance. There are also arrearage management programs (AMP) which can help residents have their arrearages forgiven by the utility. The state of California also is releasing funding for the California Arrearages Payment Program (CAPP).
CAP OC has continued to assist income-qualified participants with their utility bills throughout the pandemic. The average past due utility bill we saw in 2020 was $455, and the average household income for families who applied for assistance $18,324.
How long the ripple effects from the pandemic will last are uncertain. But EES will continue to assist those in need. At CAP OC we are here to help residents access these programs and relieve their debts.
Our goal is to ensure everyone, regardless of their current situation, is able to live in a Healthy Home.