(OLNEY/NEWTON) The Embarras River Basin Agency, as administrator of the LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program for the local/area counties of Richland, Jasper, Lawrence, Clark, Crawford, Cumberland, Coles, Edgar, and Douglas, is announcing that fund are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane, and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. With program applications accepting starting next Wednesday, October 1st, it’s for older adults age 60 & older, plus individuals with a disability, families with children under the age of six years, and for households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice, or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income-eligible households can start applying November 1st. All applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis until the funding is used up. While the program has expanded it’s eligibility requirements this year, those interested or those who need more details can contact any of the ERBA offices in the before-mentioned counties. For an appointment in Richland County, call the ERBA office in Olney at 618-395-2714 or the Jasper County office in Newton at 618-783-3987. For Clay, Effingham, and other area counties, contact the CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation office in Effingham.
