News : Heat assistance available: Sign-up underway now

Alliant Energy is reminding customers that Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) agencies are now accepting applications for the upcoming heating season. The program provides dollars to moderate and low-income level households to help pay a portion of their winter gas or electric bills.

“It’s important people know they do not have to wait until they are behind on their utility bills to receive energy assistance,” said Tim Heinrich, director of customer support services, Alliant Energy. “We encourage customers to check their eligibility now and apply as soon as possible if they qualify for funds.”

LIHEAP payments depend upon household size, income level, and home energy costs. The program helps households with incomes meeting eligibly guidelines. For example, in Iowa, a family of four that earns $33,075 annually or less, or a two-person family that earns $21,855 annually or less, may qualify for energy assistance dollars.

To obtain energy assistance, qualified Iowa residents can apply to their local county energy assistance agency for LIHEAP funds anytime between November 1, 2010 and April 1, 2011. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible by calling 1-866-674-6327 to locate the nearest county agency that provides energy assistance funds or by visiting http://www.dcaa.iowa.gov. Qualification for energy assistance is affected if someone is behind on their energy bills or rents instead of owns a home.

Applicants must bring these items to the agencies to determine eligibility:

• Photo identification
• Proof of income for household members 18 years or older for the previous three months
• Social Security cards for everyone in the household
• Current energy bill
• Rent certificate or statement from the landlord confirming heat is included in rent

The Bureau of Energy Assistance administers the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program's energy-crisis intervention components provide immediate response to potentially life-threatening situations, and the client education component of the program provides funds that encourage regular utility payments, promote energy awareness and encourage energy efficiency, client education and weatherization.

Alliant Energy is an energy-services provider with subsidiaries serving approximately 1 million electric and over 412,000 natural gas customers. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electric and natural gas service is the company’s primary focus. Interstate Power and Light, the company's Iowa and Minnesota utility subsidiary, serves approximately 530,000 electric and 235,000 natural gas customers. Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is a Fortune 1000 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.alliantenergy.com.