As colder weather settles in Kentucky Power remains committed to helping customers stay comfortable and manage their energy costs. From payment assistance options to energy efficiency tips, there are many tools and support available for households across eastern Kentucky.
"Colder weather often leads to higher electric bills as you use more energy to heat your home," said Paula Gwinn, account manager for Kentucky Power. "As temperatures fall, our priority is to assist customers in finding effective solutions to stay warm while managing their energy usage to keep bills as low as possible."
Payment Assistance Programs
Kentucky Power provides two payment assistance programs: HEART and THAW. Applications for the HEART program will be accepted starting November 1, while THAW will begin in January. Additionally, the federally funded LIHEAP Fall Subsidy program opens on November 3. All assistance programs are administered by local Community Action Kentucky (CAK) offices and operate on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
Home Energy Assistance in Reduced Temperatures (HEART)
HEART provides income-qualified customers with electric heat $115 per month in assistance from January through April. Those with non-electric heat may qualify for $58 per month during the same period. Apply starting November 1.
Temporary Heating Assistance in Winter (THAW)
THAW offers up to $175 in one-time assistance to qualified customers experiencing a temporary hardship, available January through April. Apply in January.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP provides federal funded assistance to help families manage energy costs. Apply starting November 3.
To find local Community Action Kentucky agencies, visit KentuckyPower.com/Assistance.
Those who do not qualify for payment assistance programs may benefit from signing up for the Average Monthly Payment (AMP) plan, which evens out payments across 12 months to help avoid seasonal spikes and make budgeting easier. All customers who need help with their bill are encouraged to contact customers services at 800-572-1113 or by messaging Kentucky Power on Facebook.
"We want our customers reach out to us, whether by phone or direct message, if they need assistance but do not qualify for assistance programs," said Gwinn. "While we help numerous customers daily in managing their bills, it's essential for them to inform us of any issues they may encounter. We are here to help and are committed to assisting those who need."
More information about payment assistance programs is available at KentuckyPower.com/BillHelp.
Improve Energy Efficiency to Decrease Energy Usage
Customers can take steps now to improve home efficiency before winter arrives. Changing furnace filters regularly, sealing air leaks with caulking or weather stripping and closing curtains or covering windows to retain heat are all easy, low- and no-cost ways to save energy.
More energy savings tips are available at KentuckyPower.com/Savings.
Apply for the EnergyAdvantage at Home Program
Kentucky Power's new EnergyAdvantage at Home program offers supplemental funding for free residential energy audits, high-efficiency installations and rebates. The program supports qualifying customers using electric heat by addressing health and safety issues that may prevent their participation in federally funded weatherization programs.
"Monitoring your energy usage is crucial for reducing your bills," said Gwinn. "Customers can take simple steps to enhance energy efficiency, such as closing curtains and keeping doors shut. However, some improvements, like air sealing and pipe insulation, can be more complex projects. That's where our EnergyAdvantage program can help provide assistance."
Get more information and apply now at KentuckyPower.com/EnergyAdvantageHome.
