Shelby County has received a near-record grant from the federal government to help customers here pay their utility bills.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said Tuesday that the county has received $19 million through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), in one of the largest such grants ever received.
The funds are available through the “Keep The Lights On” program and those applying don’t need to have received a cut-off notice to qualify. Depending on family income and household size, a family can receive up to $650 in assistance.
“It is far too easy for a family to fall behind on their utility bill,” Harris said in a statement. “The aim of this program is to alleviate the stress on families of keeping their homes lit and heated before they receive a cut-off notice.”
To qualify, Shelby County residents must complete an application and be living at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, the income for a family of four would need to be $37,650 or lower.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, residents can call (901) 222-4299 on Mondays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Seniors aged 65 years and older can also apply for utility assistance through the Shelby County Community Services Agency. The agency can be reached at (901) 222-4200. The funds were provided by a $20,000 grant from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
