Winter is coming. Apply for heating subsidies now. | Opinion

The recent cold weather has been an icy reminder that winter is on its way! While many of us are excited about the upcoming holiday season, the inevitable drop in temperatures brings a new worry for Kentucky families who will struggle to cover the cost of winter heating bills this year.

But there’s good news: Columbia Gas customers are seeing a significant decrease in the cost of natural gas this winter compared to 2022, when prices reached historic highs due to high demand and low supply against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Several factors have contributed to the decrease in market prices of the commodity this year, including increased production levels, lower exports due to softening European demand and our ability to fill storage at substantially lower prices than in previous years.

As the cost of many everyday items continues to rise, the decrease in gas cost is welcome news for many of our most vulnerable customers, including households with children, seniors and those with disabilities. Still, utility bills will put a strain on many families across Central and Eastern Kentucky.

Columbia Gas is working harder than ever to connect customers with the many programs and resources available to keep them safe and warm during this heating season.

One such program is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered through the Community Action Council. It has two components: subsidy and crisis. Funding for the subsidy component, based on income and primary fuel source, will be available starting today, Nov. 6. Funding for the crisis component, for households that have received a disconnection notice, will be available starting January 9. Some council offices are already scheduling appointments for applications.

The subsidy component provides households with a one-time benefit per application, ranging from $34 to $274, depending on housing category, fuel type used for heating, and income level. The benefit can be applied towards home heating cost for electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil. The cash grant is sent directly to the utility company or heating fuel provider to be credited on the customer’s bill.

Kentuckians with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for assistance. Customers can visit ColumbiaGasKy.com/Assistance for application information.

For customers who do not qualify for income-based assistance, extended payments and our budget payment plan are available. For a complete listing of energy assistance programs, visit ColumbiaGasKy.com/Assistance or call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-432-9345, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

We also encourage our customers to find ways to conserve energy, including winterizing their homes and buying energy efficient appliances. For a listing of energy saving tips, visit ColumbiaGasKy.com/SaveEnergy and follow us on Facebook and Nextdoor.

Customers can track usage, sign up for payment alerts, manage accounts and make payments using the Columbia Gas mobile app. An explanation of the charges on the customer bill is available at ColumbiaGas.com/bill. Customers can find details about our rates at ColumbiaGasKy.com/rates.

Everyone knows someone who may need help with their utility bills, whether it’s an elderly neighbor, a friend or family member. No one should have to worry about staying safe and warm during the winter months, and Columbia Gas and other utility providers can help customers navigate through the various programs and financial aid services available to them.

We’re here to help.

Kimra Cole is the president and chief operating officer of Columbia Gas of Kentucky.

This story was originally published November 6, 2023 at 9:26 AM.