While you’re struggling to make ends meet, CLECO is offering a helping hand. On one hand, you’re facing the harsh reality of rising utility bills, but on the other, you might be eligible for assistance programs designed to ease the burden. If you’re a low-income household or experiencing financial hardship, you may qualify for discounts, fixed payments, and priority attention. But how do you tap into these benefits, and what exactly do they entail?
Key Takeaways
- CLECO offers various assistance programs, including CARE and TOUCH, to help low-income households with their utility bills.
- Eligibility for these programs is based on meeting LIHEAP income guidelines, which are subject to change annually.
- Customers receiving LIHEAP benefits are automatically enrolled in the CARE discount program, which provides a 25% discount on fuel portions of electric bills.
- Enrollment is available through local Community Action Agencies during the designated enrollment period (October 1 to May 30).
- Re-application is required each year as the enrollment period ends on May 30.
Overview of CLECO Assistance Programs
CLECO recognizes that many of its customers face financial challenges, which is why the company offers a range of assistance programs to help low-income households and those experiencing financial hardship.
You can take advantage of programs like CARE, which provides a 25% discount on the fuel portion of your electric utility bill if you meet LIHEAP income guidelines.
Cleco also offers payment plans, Budget Billing, and energy efficiency initiatives to help you manage your energy bill.
Additionally, the Power of Sharing Fund and Credit Extension Agreement can provide further support when you need it most.
Eligibility and Enrollment
To enroll in CLECO’s low-income utility bill assistance programs, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements.
Specifically, you must meet the LIHEAP income guidelines, which will automatically enroll you in the CARE program if you receive LIHEAP benefits.
You can enroll through your local Community Action Agency during the designated enrollment period, which runs from October 1 to May 30 each year.
Enrollment Period
During the designated enrollment period, you’ll need to take action to secure your spot in the CARE program.
The enrollment period runs from October 1 to May 30, during which you must enroll through your local Community Action Agency. You can find your local agency on the Louisiana Housing Corporation website.
If you receive LIHEAP benefits during this period, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the CARE discount program.
Remember to re-apply each year, as the enrollment period ends on May 30. Don’t miss the deadline – apply before May 30 to be eligible for the CARE program.
LIHEAP Income Guidelines
Your eligibility for the CARE discount program hinges on meeting the LIHEAP income guidelines, which are set by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
The 2022 income levels are available to determine your eligibility. These guidelines are federally funded to help low-income households pay their home energy bills.
The income guidelines are subject to change annually and determine your eligibility for the CARE discount program. You can check the current income levels to see if you qualify for the program.
Automatic Enrollment
CLECO’s CARE discount program streamlines the enrollment process for eligible customers through automatic enrollment.
If you receive LIHEAP benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the CARE program, which offers a 25% discount on the fuel portion of your electric utility bills. You don’t need to re-apply every year, as your eligibility is verified through your LIHEAP benefits.
Automatic enrollment occurs during the enrollment period, typically from October 1 to May 30. Once enrolled, the CARE discount will be applied to your bills in July, August, and September, helping to reduce your fuel charge during the hottest months.
Billing and Rate Assistance
Billing and Rate Assistance options from CLECO help make utility bills more manageable for low-income customers.
You can take advantage of Budget Billing, which spreads energy usage costs over a 12-month period to provide a fixed monthly payment.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for the CARE program, which offers a 25% discount on the fuel portion of your electric utility bill.
To receive this discount, you must enroll through your local Community Action Agency during the enrollment period.
If you receive LIHEAP benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in CARE and receive the discount in July, August, and September.
Special Assistance Programs
You may be eligible for special assistance programs offered by CLECO, which cater to specific needs and circumstances.
The Unite Us program, for instance, connects you to community-based resources, providing comprehensive support for vulnerable populations.
Additionally, the Critical Care Alert Program helps customers with medical conditions that require electricity, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential care.
Unite Us Program
Through its Unite Us program, Cleco offers a comprehensive approach to supporting low-income customers, providing access to a vast network of community-based resources that cater to their unique needs. You can navigate and find available resources, including those related to healthcare, food, and housing, among others. By leveraging the Unite Us network, you can receive targeted support and guidance to address your unique circumstances.
| Program Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Coordinated care referral network | Access to community-based resources |
| Connection to healthcare, food, and housing resources | Targeted support for unique circumstances |
| Part of Cleco’s special assistance programs | Improved quality of life for low-income customers |
| Designed to promote overall well-being and stability | Augmented energy bill relief through Home Energy Assistance Program and Community Action |
Critical Care Alert
Cleco’s Special Assistance Programs also feature the Critical Care Alert, a pivotal initiative designed to support customers with life-sustaining medical equipment.
If you rely on medical treatment that requires electricity to sustain life, such as oxygen therapy or dialysis, you may be eligible for this program. By enrolling, you’ll receive priority attention from Cleco’s customer service team and exemption from disconnect notices and late fees on your electric utility bill.
This program is essential for elderly customers and others who require uninterrupted electric service, especially during energy emergencies.
Emergency and Weatherization Programs
When extreme weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances threaten to disrupt your electric service, Cleco’s emergency and weatherization programs can provide a vital safety net.
The Energy Emergency Deferred Billing Program allows eligible customers to defer a portion of their energy bill during declared energy emergencies. Additionally, the Credit Extension Agreement provides extra time to pay an outstanding balance, preventing service disconnection.
Cleco’s weatherization assistance program, available at no out-of-pocket cost, includes services like attic insulation and air sealing to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
State and Federal Assistance
You may be eligible for state and federal assistance programs designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that assists with heating and cooling energy costs, and its income guidelines determine eligibility for the CARE discount program.
Additionally, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides states with flexibility in operating programs to help low-income families with children.
You can contact Community Action or the Louisiana Housing Corporation to learn more about these programs and see if you qualify.
TOUCH Program
You’ll find that the TOUCH program operates on a seasonal pricing structure, where electricity prices vary by kWh based on the time of day and season.
This time-of-use approach allows you to optimize your energy usage by shifting non-essential tasks to off-peak hours, resulting in potential cost savings.
Seasonal Pricing Structure
The TOUCH program’s seasonal pricing structure is designed to help you manage your energy costs more effectively. As a low-income customer, you can benefit from this program, which is offered in partnership with Community Action. The seasonal pricing structure is divided into two seasons: summer (June to September) and winter (October to May).
| Season | On-Peak Hours | Off-Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 2 pm – 7 pm | 7 pm – 2 pm |
| Winter | 7 am – 2 pm | 2 pm – 7 am |
| All Year | 9 pm – 7 am | N/A |
Time-of-Use Benefits
Seasonal pricing structures can help you manage your energy costs, but the TOUCH program takes it a step further by offering time-of-use benefits that can lead to significant savings.
As a low-income household participating in the Energy Assistance Program through Community Action, you can maximize your savings by shifting non-essential energy usage to off-peak hours. Customers must adapt their daily routines to take advantage of lower rates during off-peak hours, which can result in a lower bill amount.
Cleco Discount Program
Eligible low-income customers can significantly reduce their electric utility bills through CLECO’s Discount Program, also known as CARE.
You can receive a 25% discount on the fuel portion of your bill if you meet the income guidelines set by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
To enroll, you’ll need to apply through your local Community Action agency between October 1 and May 30. If you already receive LIHEAP benefits, you’re automatically enrolled in CARE.
The discount will be applied to your bills during the hottest months of the year, July, August, and September.
LIHEAP Income Guidelines
You’ll need to meet specific income guidelines to qualify for LIHEAP benefits and the CARE discount program.
The LIHEAP income guidelines, set by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, determine eligibility for the program.
These guidelines are subject to change annually and are used to help low-income households, including the elderly and disabled, with their home energy bills.
To receive LIHEAP benefits, your income must fall within the established income levels.
You can contact your local Community Action Agency to determine your eligibility and apply for the program.
Fuel Charge and Discount
Your electricity bill includes a fuel charge, which represents the cost of fuel needed to generate power and any purchased power, passed directly to you at cost, without any markup.
However, you may be eligible for a discount on this fuel charge through Cleco’s CARE program. If you meet the income guidelines of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and enroll through your local Community Action Agency, you’ll receive a 25% discount on your fuel charge from July to September.
This discount helps alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs during the hottest months.
Program Purpose and Benefits
You’ll benefit from the CARE discount program‘s purpose of alleviating your financial burden by providing relief from rising fuel costs and inflation.
The program’s 25% discount on the fuel portion of your electric utility bill is designed to help low-income customers, including the elderly and disabled, who meet the LIHEAP income guidelines.
Financial Burden Relief
The financial burden of rising fuel costs and inflation can be overwhelming, especially for low-income households.
As a low-income customer, you may struggle to pay your energy bills, which can be a significant expense, especially during the hot summer months.
The CARE energy assistance program is designed to help alleviate this burden by providing a 25% discount on the fuel portion of your electric utility bills.
This discount helps make your energy bills more affordable and manageable, allowing you to focus on other essential expenses in your home.
Discount Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CARE discount program, specific eligibility criteria must be met, which are designed to guarantee the program reaches those who need it most.
You’ll need to meet the income guidelines of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which are set by the federal government and subject to change annually.
As an eligible customer, you’ll receive a 25% discount on your fuel charge during the peak summer months of July, August, and September.
If you receive LIHEAP benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the CARE discount program, helping to alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs.
CLECO Assistance Programs
CLECO’s commitment to supporting low-income customers is evident in its varied range of assistance programs, each designed to address specific needs and provide relief from the financial burden of utility bills.
CLECO’s commitment to supporting low-income customers through tailored assistance programs alleviates the financial strain of utility bills.
As a Cleco customer, you may be eligible for one or more of these programs.
- The CARE program, which provides a 25% discount on the fuel portion of electric utility bills for eligible customers who meet LIHEAP income guidelines and enroll through their local Community Action Agency.
- Payment plans and Budget Billing to help you manage your energy costs.
- Energy efficiency initiatives to reduce your energy consumption.
- Unite Us, a platform that connects you with local resources for energy assistance.
Power of Sharing Fund
You can turn to the Power of Sharing Fund for help with your utility bills and energy-related needs if you’re a senior citizen or disabled and struggling to make ends meet.
This fund uses donations to assist low-income elderly and disabled individuals with paying utility bills, purchasing fans and blankets, and weatherizing homes.
To apply, contact the Louisiana Association of Councils on Aging or a community action agency.
The fund focuses on providing energy assistance to those in need, helping with energy or cooling bills, weatherizing homes, and making minor repairs to cooling or heating units within CLECO’s service territory.
Deferred Billing Program
During energy emergencies declared by the Public Service Commission, Cleco’s Deferred Billing Program provides temporary relief from paying energy bills, helping eligible customers avoid shut-off and manage their energy costs.
You may be eligible for this program if you’re a low-income family or individual with income below 150% of the federal poverty level, or if you receive sole income from Social Security or TANF.
- Eligibility: Limited to customers with income below 150% of the federal poverty level, sole income from Social Security or TANF, or those certified by a doctor as needing life-sustaining medical treatment.
- Program benefits: Defer a portion of your energy bill for up to 12 months.
- Purpose: Provides temporary relief from paying energy bills, helping you avoid shut-off and manage your energy costs during emergency situations.
- Next steps: Contact Cleco to learn more about the Deferred Billing Program and determine your eligibility.
Credit Extension Agreement and Levelized Billing Plan
In addition to the Deferred Billing Program, Cleco offers two more programs to help low-income customers manage their energy costs:
The Credit Extension Agreement provides you with additional time to pay your outstanding balance, spreading payments over a longer period.
The Levelized Billing Plan sets your utility bills based on a 12-month average, avoiding large fluctuations and helping you budget more effectively.
To learn more, call 1-800-622-6537 to determine if you’re eligible for these programs designed to support low-income customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the EAP Energy Assistance Program?
You’re likely thinking of LIHEAP, not EAP, which provides energy assistance through crisis intervention, seasonal discounts, and weatherization services to reduce home energy consumption and promote energy savings, but it doesn’t offer home audits.
What Is the Cleco Touch Program?
Imagine having a grip on your energy expenses! The Cleco TOUCH program helps you do just that, offering benefits like reduced energy costs, utility savings, and flexible payment plans, providing financial aid to manage your energy budget effectively.
What Is the Maximum Income for Energy Assistance?
You’ll find the maximum income for energy assistance varies based on household size, with income limitations set at 150% of the federal poverty level; eligibility guidelines dictate benefit amounts, which are subsidized by government programs.
Conclusion
You’ve delved into CLECO’s array of assistance programs designed to support low-income households and those facing financial hardship. Particularly, CLECO’s programs have helped over 20,000 eligible customers reduce their energy burdens in the past year alone. By understanding these programs, you can take advantage of the benefits that best fit your needs, ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy services.
