Households get relief from Mecklenburg County’s energy assistance program

CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg County’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households with energy needs.

Arctic air is blasting our region so the program could give families relief from their power bills so they can spend money on other basic needs.

Charlotte resident Roberta Walls said she is on a fixed income and without the program, she couldn’t afford to warm her southeast Charlotte apartment on cold days.

“When I hear your news in the morning, and I hear it’s going to be in the 20s and 30s I be like, ‘Oh my goodness, now I need to turn on the heat.’”

Walls does not take the cost of heating her home lightly.

“The bills are typically over $150, sometimes $125, $130, and that’s a lot of money for one month,” she said. “I wear sweaters, socks, you know I keep warm anyway I can so don’t have to turn the heat.”

There have been times she could only afford to pay portions of her heating bill, she said.

Walls found out about Mecklenburg County’s LIEAP six years ago.

Residents who qualify can get hundreds of dollars paid directly to their heating provider.

Walls recently applied in December and within weeks got an approval letter.

“It shows that the LIEAP will be mailed directly to the heating and energy provider, which is Duke (Energy),” she said.

The program paid $300 last month, which was more than enough, Walls said.

The remaining amount will be applied to her bill for January, she said.

“I’ve been grateful every year for that that has been a huge help,” she said.

Eligibility Requirements

• US Citizen or Legal Resident
• Income Requirement: Households 130% at or below the federal poverty limit; 60+ Individuals 150% at or below the federal poverty limit

Applicants must provide:

Identification, such as a driver’s license, State ID card, or passport

• Utility bill
• Social Security number
• Proof of income

Applications opened on Dec. 1. 2024, for senior citizens aged 60 and older or disabled individuals who get help through the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services. On Jan. 1, applications officially opened for all households.

Click here for more information on LIEAP.

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