State short of cash to help with electric bills

The increasing number of Floridians who can’t pay their electric bills may not be able to get the help they need because the state energy assistance program will likely run short of money.

“The bottom line is that our providers around the state are seeing a tremendous demand for services, a demand that will far outstrip the availability of funds,” said Jon Peck, spokesman for the Florida Department of Community Affairs.

At the same time, Tampa Electric reported a 27 percent jump in the number of customers facing disconnection. Progress Energy has seen cutoffs increase 15 percent since last year. Paying for power could get even harder in the coming year. Both utilities plan to increase monthly bills by 10 percent or more.

“In the last month, we’ve gotten quite a few calls,” said Crystal Watson, a receptionist at the Homeless Emergency Project in Clearwater. Watson estimated that she gets at least five phone calls a day from people looking for help paying their electric bill. “It’s people not being able to keep a job. They’re getting laid off. The gas prices are getting too high.”

One program that can help is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, called LIHEAP. The federally funded program offers one-time help with electricity bills, Peck explained. The program helps families cope with unexpectedly high bills, often following very hot or very cold weather.

Florida received $28.5-million for the program this year, but the state has been overwhelmed by the need, Peck said. The state can seek more funds from the federal government, but other states are facing the same daunting demand for help. Northern states are already bracing for a winter that promises record-high heat bills as oil and natural gas prices continue to rise.

>>FAST FACTS
Where to go for help
Utilities can often help strapped families set up a payment plan. If that’s not enough, here are locations where you can apply for energy assistance:
Tampa Electric customer service, (813) 223-0800.
Progress Energy customer service department, (800) 700-8744.
Hernando County: Salvation Army, (352) 796-1186.
Hillsborough County: Salvation Army, (813) 226-0055 x300.
Pasco County: Christian Social Services, Land O’Lakes, (813) 995-0088; Neighborhood Care Center, Zephyrhills, (813) 780-6822; Pasco County Social Services, (352) 521-4572; Salvation Army, West Pasco, (727) 847-6321; St. James Catholic Church, (727) 862-8580; St. Vincent DePaul, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, (727) 845-4955.
Pinellas County: Salvation Army of St. Petersburg, (727) 821-9123 or 822-4954; Religious Community Services, (727) 443-4031.

For information on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, go to http://www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/liheap/about.cfm#Apply

-Asjylyn Loder, Times Staff Writer