Help available for bills

With colder temperatures at hand, Iberia Parish residents should soon have the opportunity to apply for some extra help in paying for winter energy bills.

Louisiana is slated to receive $1,317,110 out of $450 million, in additional federal funding from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoeonville, describes this program as “a short-term solution to the serious ongoing challenges of high energy prices and a slowing economy.”

“Record-high energy prices this winter have left many low and fixed-income Louisianans struggling to afford their heating bills,” Melancon said.

Here in Louisiana, the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency administers the distribution of these funds, in cooperation with a number of local agencies throughout the state.

“It will be distributed among those who need it the most,” said Jeff DeGraff, public relations officer for LHFA. “People need to understand this is a way to assist those who need help with energy costs.”

Here in Iberia Parish, the distribution of these funds, when they come available, will be done by a pre-determined formula. Irma Bougeois of the St. Martin, Iberia, Lafayette Community Action Agency will be involved with coordinating the distribution of these funds.

She said that the funds will be distributed on a first come first served basis, and the formula used to determine eligibility will consider income, family size, and other factors. She is hopeful the funds will be distributed in the near future.

For more information the agency at 234-3272 or visit www.lhfa.state.la.us/programs/energy_assistance/low_income_energy.php.