Clark County has fewer families living at the poverty level or below (8.6 percent) than the average for the state (11 percent). But doing the math on the county’s 467,000 residents, that means 40,000 locals live in poverty.
To make matters worse, limited-income households spend a lopsided amount of their finances on housing and utilities. Those at or below the poverty level are among the hardest hit.
In our county, the median rent exceeds $1,000 a month for apartments. Rental homes start about $1,300. According to the Census Bureau, living expenses average about $440 a month. Any unexpected rise in expenses caused by medical bills, job loss or car breakdowns overwhelms already hard-pressed budgets.
“Right after shelter and food, families need utilities, water and heat to survive,” said Gretchen Alexander, manager of the Community Care team at Clark Public Utilities.
That’s why Clark Public Utilities offers several energy assistance programs eligible low-income customers can tap into. Alexander suggests that any utility customer seeking help speak with a customer representative by calling 360-992-3000, available 24 hours a day.
“Many of our programs are open year-round,” Alexander said. “However, LIHEAP runs October to June and is often the entry point for lower-income customers.”
The federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, assists 3,500 to 4,000 households every year. On Monday, the utility opened the program’s appointment scheduling. Appointments start on Monday. Customers can call 855-353-4328 to set up an appointment and learn what documentation is needed.
The Department of Health and Human Services funds LIHEAP and helps families needing any heating fuel — gas, electric, wood, propane, or oil — access these funds specifically for fuel costs. To qualify, a household income must be at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level, or $2,615 a month for a family of four. The grant goes directly to the fuel vendor, to assist with their utility bill or schedule for service of deliverable fuels.
“Families coming to us with a utility issue are often struggling to meet other basic needs, and we do our best to connect them with other community services,” said Alexander.
During the scheduled LIHEAP appointment, a utility community care representative will determine if applicants also meet requirements for other utility programs, such as the Northwest Natural Gas Assistance programs, the city of Vancouver water program, or the Clark County low-income weatherization program.
For utility customers, the Guarantee of Service Program is an option as well. It reduces a household’s electric bill to a percentage of its monthly income. To qualify, that income must not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or $3,138 a month for a family of four. At the end of 12 months, if the set payment has been made on time throughout the program, the utility forgives any additional account balance that had built up prior to beginning GOSP. Customers can then start fresh with a zero balance.
Households with one 62-year-old member may qualify for the Senior Rate Credit Program. It provides limited-income seniors an annual credit equal to 50 percent of the household’s January through April billings from the previous year, up to $500. To qualify, the annual household income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or $32,480 in 2018.
Utility customers, who may not qualify for other utility or government programs, may be eligible for a grant through Operation Warm Heart. This utility program provides grants to local families in financial crisis and is funded through donations and proceeds from the annual Race for Warmth. The next Race for Warmth is on Jan. 27, and registration will open in October. In 2018 more than 1,000 local runners and walkers raced along 5K and 10K routes and every dollar of registration went directly to Operation Warm Heart. Funds collected from the race help about 600 households each year.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668
