Home heating help available

TRENTON — With winter just around the corner, Mercer County on Thursday issued a reminder that assistance in covering energy costs is available for those who qualify.

The county’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) allows individuals meeting various income qualifications to apply for bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and energy-related home repairs.

This year, the application period is Oct. 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent; and have gross income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. An eligibility chart for 2013 can be found on the Mercer County website, www.mercercounty.org.

“For many households, winter brings worry about the cost of heating and other energy bills,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “As this year’s program gets under way, I also urge our residents to look into simple ways they can reduce their energy costs such as using fluorescent light bulbs and weatherstripping doors and windows.”

Last year’s clients can expect to receive a recertification form within the first week of the heating season, which begins on Oct. 1. New clients, as well as returning clients, can contact Home Energy Assistance at (609) 989-6858 or (609) 989-6959.