If You Have an Extremely High Utility Bill This Summer, There’s Some Relief in Kentucky

Though our weather in western Kentucky is exceptionally pleasant this week, that really hasn't been the case throughout much of the summer. It's been hot and humid and air conditioning systems around the Tristate have been working overtime to keep up. That means lots of local residents are seeing huge increases in their utility bills. For example, my OMU bill for the last month was nearly $500. That's a big chunk of change.

Luckily, there's a program here in Kentucky that can provide some relief to folks who qualify for it. It's called LIHEAP- the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Right now, the Summer Subsidy Component Applications are being accepted. So, if you need assistance paying your summer utility bill, you may be able to get it.

Funds for this program are made possible through the U.S. Department of Health and Services and are coordinated here in the Commonwealth by Community Action Kentucky and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The income-based program is designed to assist individuals and families. Locally, the folks at Audubon Area Community Services help to coordinate that relief.  According to AACS's official website, "The Summer Subsidy Component provides households with incomes up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $250 depending on income levels and housing category. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor."

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Here are the current income guidelines for the 2024 subsidy based on the size of household and the maximum monthly income accordingly:

1 Person- $1,883

2 People- $2,555

3 People- $3,288

4 People- $3,900

5 People- $4,573

6 People- $5,245

7 People- $5,918

8 People- $6,590

If the home has additional residents, you simply add $673 for each additional family member.

Audubon Area Community Services has help lines in these Kentucky counties:

Recipients of past assistance are eligible to reapply for the Summer Subsidy.