WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – As temperatures drop and home heating use increases, Appalachian Power Company (APCo) is encouraging customers to explore energy-saving programs, bill-assistance resources and flexible payment options that may help manage winter energy costs.
“Energy use typically rises this time of year as temperatures drop, so if a bill is higher than expected, the first step is understanding what is driving the increased energy use,” said Tina Massey, customer experience and support manager. “In most cases, increased heating use, not meter accuracy, is responsible for higher bills. We encourage customers to ensure their heating systems are operating efficiently, sign up for High Bill Alerts, explore available assistance programs and take steps to reduce energy use whenever possible. And if a customer is struggling to manage higher energy costs, we encourage them to contact us early so we can connect them with available programs and payment solutions.”
Heating can account for a significant portion of a home’s electricity use during the winter. Customers may be able to reduce energy use and improve comfort by maintaining heating systems, sealing air leaks, improving insulation and monitoring energy use throughout the season. Additional energy-saving tips and tools are available at AppalachianPower.com/Save.
Help reduce winter energy use
Virginia customers can learn about energy-efficiency programs that may help lower energy use, improve home comfort and help reduce energy costs at TakeChargeVA.com. West Virginia customers can find similar resources at TakeChargeWV.com.
In both states, eligible customers may qualify for Low-Income Weatherization Assistance and Repair and Replace services for inoperable heating systems. Eligible Virginia customers may also qualify to receive free energy-efficiency kits to help lower energy use at home.
Bill assistance resources
Several bill-assistance programs are available throughout Appalachian Power’s service territory, including Neighbor to Neighbor assistance through Dollar Energy Fund and United Way’s 211. Customers can dial 211 or visit 211.org to connect with local resources and learn about available utility assistance programs in their area.
Customers can learn more about available assistance programs at AppalachianPower.com/Assistance. Program availability and eligibility vary by state.
- Tennessee: Eligible customers may qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
- Virginia: Eligible customers may qualify for LIHEAP and the Percentage of Income Payment Program, or PIPP. Virginia customers with a gross annual income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for PIPP. The program helps qualifying customers manage their electric bills and is administered by local social services agencies.
- West Virginia: Eligible customers may qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIEAP, and the West Virginia 20% Discount Program. Customers who meet the program’s eligibility requirements may receive a 20% discount on their monthly electric bills from December through April.
Flexible billing options
Customers throughout APCo’s service territory can also use tools that may make bills more predictable and manageable. The company’s Average Monthly Payment (AMP) plan helps spread seasonal energy costs more evenly throughout the year. High Bill Alerts notify customers through the email address listed on the account when energy use is trending higher than expected, helping customers take action before the bill arrives.
Customers who need additional flexibility may also qualify for a one-time payment extension or an extended payment agreement.
APCo encourages customers to explore available resources before winter bills arrive and to contact the company as soon as possible if they anticipate difficulty paying their bill.
