MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Sanborn, 207-624-3687, Heather.Sanborn@maine.gov
Individuals qualified for Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) will receive informational letters
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will mail more than 67,000 letters to Maine residents who qualify for the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP). The program helps income-eligible homeowners and renters reduce their electricity costs through monthly bill credits. The letters should begin arriving in mailboxes this week.
According to Maine Housing, “LIAP helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for electricity costs by providing a credit on their electric bills.” The amount of the credit varies based on household income, size, and electricity usage.
“Programs like LIAP can make a real difference for those struggling to afford their electric bill,” said Heather Sanborn, Maine’s Public Advocate. “If you receive a letter, show it to your utility. This simple step could mean a real savings on your electric bill.”
Mainers who receive a letter need only to present it to their utility company to automatically receive LIAP benefits. Maine electric utility contact information is included as a part of the letter. Those who are already enrolled in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will automatically be enrolled for LIAP.
Maine’s Office of the Public Advocate, along with DHHS, the Department of Energy Resources, and the Maine Public Utilities Commission, encourage income-qualified residents to keep an eye out for these letters, and to apply for aid as soon as possible.
Mainers who do not receive a letter but believe they may be qualified to receive LIAP assistance should contact their electric utility or local Community Action Agency. For more information on LIAP and other energy assistance programs, visit https://www.maine.gov/meopa/income-qualified-resources.