Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Missouri (ESC) is preparing a series of meetings designed to assist our community with winter preparations. These meetings will provide education to area individuals and families on how they can reduce their home energy costs and get assistance with high utility bills.

The recently released Winter 2013/2014 Farmers Almanac predicts piercing cold with normal snowfall beginning in October. In anticipation of these colder months, ESCs Customer Information Meetings will address the criteria and application process to obtain assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Representatives from local utilities will be in attendance to discuss their billing process, how to read bill statements, and the importance of paying utility bills monthly. Attendees will also receive low-cost tips and weatherization supplies to assist them in reducing their energy costs. A light meal will be served and door prizes will be awarded.

ESCs Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will open on October 1st to households including a member who is over age 60 and/or disabled. The program is designed to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. There are two components of the LIHEAP program Energy Assistance and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). Energy Assistance offers assistance once a year to help pay primary fuel source heating bills. The benefit amount is based upon household size, income and the type of fuel used for home heating. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) is designed to provide assistance to households in a verifiable energy crisis. It is primarily used to restore or prevent disconnection of service for at least 30 days.

The meetings will be held in each of ESCs four counties:

• Barton: September 25th at Memorial Hall in Lamar, MO from 6:00-9:00pm. Guest speakers will include representatives from the City of Lamar Utilities and Missouri Gas Energy. Individuals are asked register by September 20th by calling (417) 682-5591.

• Jasper: September 18th at Central Christian Center in Joplin, MO from 5-8:30 p.m. Guest speakers will include representatives from Empire District and Missouri Gas Energy. Individuals are asked register by September 13th by calling (417) 627-2081.

• McDonald: September 11th at the New-Mac Office in Anderson, MO from 5:30-9 p.m. Guest speakers will include representatives from Empire District and New-Mac Electric. Individuals are asked to register by September 10th by calling (417) 845-6011.

• Newton: September 24th at the First Baptist Church in Neosho, MO from 6-9 p.m. Guest speakers will include representatives from Empire District, Missouri Gas Energy and New-Mac Electric. Individuals are asked register by September 19th by calling (417) 451-2206.

For information about assistance in weatherization of a home to save money on energy costs go here.

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