IID board approves income qualification updates for energy assistance programs

Imperial Irrigation District expects about 1,000 additional electric customers will soon be able to qualify for the district’s energy assistance programs, following action taken by the IID Board of Directors.

During its Monday meeting, the board approved changes to the district’s income-qualifying programs, increasing the maximum level to qualify by 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, making it possible for more families to qualify for assistance with their electric bills.

“For many families, getting help with their energy bills can really make a difference,” said Jim Hanks, IID board president. “With the increase in the maximum level of income to qualify, we hope and expect more customers to participate.”

Also, the board’s action includes offering the Residential Energy Assistance Program to self-employed customers. All applicants must provide verification of gross household income.

The changes take effect Jan. 1.

The REAP program provides income-qualifying customers with a 20 percent discount on their electric bill and a 30 percent discount for customers age 62 and older. Customers qualifying for the 20 percent discount must reapply annually; those receiving the 30 percent discount must reapply every two years.

Program applications are available on IID’s website or from any IID customer service center.

The new maximum income levels are:

• 1-2 in household, $32,920 (up from $28, 420)

• 3 in household, $41,560 (up from $35,735)

• 4 in household, $50,200 (up from $43,050)

• 5 in household, $58,840 (up from $50,365)

• For each additional person, add $8,640 (up from $7,315)

In addition to the changes to the energy assistance program, the board approved extending the renewal period for those customers enrolled in the Medical Equipment Energy Usage Assistance Program to 18 months.

For more information on these programs, please call IID customer service at (800) 303-7756 or go to www.iid.com/reap