EMERGENCY COOLING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Assistance with electric utility bills will be provided during the cooling season (June-October) to those of low income who have a health emergency.  Income eligibility will be determined by guidelines used by the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund, Inc., and based on income of 150 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines.  A health emergency will be defined as special risk of heat stress, need of cooling for a health condition, necessity of electrical life-support equipment, or other electrical equipment needed for a health condition.  Each qualified applicant will be eligible to receive up to a set amount during the designated cooling season, payable directly to the electric energy supplier.  Vendors eligible for payment will include Alabama Power Company and other electric cooperatives or municipalities that provide electricity in areas located primarily in central and south Alabama.  Persons who are 60 years of age or older and meet the income criteria automatically qualify for assistance. LEARN MORE

EMERGENCY ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Assistance with energy bills will be provided at any time of the year for applicants who qualify for this fund.  Eligibility will be determined based on the household's lack of immediate income, regardless of previous income, and depletion of other financial resources, provided, however, that the household's current income, if any, is 150 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines.  This program will serve those who have had their income interrupted, such as the recently unemployed; people who have become ill or injured and suffered a partial or total loss of income; and people experiencing an unforeseen financial crisis.  Special consideration will be given for extenuating circumstances such as persons with health problems and households with small children.  The program is intended to help people until they can regain financial stability.  Each qualified applicant will be eligible to receive up to a set amount during one calendar year, payable directly to the energy provider.  Vendors eligible for payment will include all energy providers in areas located primarily in central and south Alabama, regardless of fuel type.  This will include suppliers of electricity, natural gas, LPG, oil, kerosene, coal, or wood.  Persons who are at least 60 years of age and meet the income criteria automatically qualify for assistance. LEARN MORE

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