Utility aid offered for winter heating costs
Keeping Warm, Part 3 of 3
Heat shortages and rising utility costs can put individuals and families at risk during the winter — especially when heating systems fail or budgets fall short.
Utility providers such as Lenoir City Utilities Board offer assistance programs to help customers facing financial hardship, LCUB public relations specialist Autumn Luna said.
“These programs are designed to assist customers who may be experiencing financial hardship and are struggling to meet their needs,” Luna said. “By collaborating with community partners, we aim to offer practical solutions that help promote stability and peace of mind for those we serve.”
LCUB’s Community Assistance Program provides help with utility bills and, in some cases, medical expenses, food, clothing and housing. Customers apply through Mid-East Community Action. Application packets are available at any LCUB office, and eligibility requires supporting documentation.
Local organizations partnering with LCUB include the Good Samaritan Center of Loudon County, The Salvation Army and Knox County Community Action Committee.
LCUB also operates the Neighbor Aide Program, which assists qualifying households with utility bills through voluntary customer donations. Contributions are administered by the Good Samaritan Center, and LCUB matches donations up to $1,000. Donations may be added to monthly bills.
For customers seeking predictable payments, LCUB offers its Equal Pay Plan. The program averages the past 12 months of usage to establish a fixed monthly amount, helping reduce seasonal bill spikes.
Accounts are recalculated each fall, and adjustments are
made for overpayment or underuse. Customers must have at least 12 months of service at their current address, and commercial accounts are not eligible.
Knox County utilities also provide support through partnerships. First Utility District works with state and federal programs, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, with applications handled through ETHRA and CAC. Customers also may access budget billing to stabilize monthly costs.
Knoxville Utility Board offers similar “Levelized Billing,” along with energy efficiency rebates, weatherization support and payment assistance through its “Connect to Savings” and “Assistance Partners” resources.
