Energy Assistance

Through Community Services of Ben Hill County, eligible families may apply for financial assistance to help pay heating or cooling costs.

Regular Energy Assistance

Community Services will issue checks to the utility provider(s) to offset utility costs for eligible households.

Eligibility

• Households with income up to 150% of the poverty level:
• One-person household $14,355
• Two-person household $19,245
• Three-person household $24,135
• Four-person household $29,025
• Responsible for paying their household's utility bills.
• Priority: Homebound households and elderly 65 years and older.

Benefits

• Based on household income, a one-time benefit of either $174 or $220
• If the Department of Human Resources declared a weather-related crisis in any part of the state or additional funds are required, more aid may be authorized.

To contact Community Service of Ben Hill county, please call 229-426-5177.

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Energy Tips

Here are some ideas that can help you save energy and money at your home or small business:

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Use your microwave instead of a conventional electric range or oven.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
• Plug home electronics, such as TVs into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater; 115^o is comfortable for most uses.
• Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

Visit these websites for more information on ways to save energy and cut costs:

U.S. Department of Energy - This site offers everything from energy tips to energy audits to energy resources of the future.

Alliance to save Energy - This site offers consumers information to save money, increase comfort, and even reduce pollution through energy efficiency.

Energy Star - This site provides information about a voluntary labeling program sponsored by the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Information helps consumers and businesses easily identify highly efficient products, home, and building that save energy and money, while protecting the environment.

Energy Savers - This site offers energy saving tips, ideas, and solutions.

Home Energy Saver - This site offers a do-it-yourself energy audit tool.

My Energy Tips - News and Articles to help save energy.

Just for Kids

	Kids, you can help save energy by doing simple things: Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Power off your video games when you're done playing. Keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioner is running.
Fun sites to visit: Energy Quest    Powerhouse Kids              Energy For Students and Kids Atomic Energy DTE Energy Kids Club Kids and Energy Alliant Energy Kids Environmental Kids Club