Business

Winter energy assistance? You have options!

Submitted by Washington Gas

Unexpected events can strike any family without warning. At Washington Gas, we’re passionate about everyone having a warm home and not being penalized for dealing with challenging times.

For almost 175 years, we’ve called Washington home. As winter arrives, many in our communities may need help with cold-weather energy bills. This is especially true this year as we all face rising gas prices, inflation and numerous other factors. More than 15,000 friends and neighbors in the combined DMV communities receive ≈$14 million in federal energy assistance each year, plus additional aid from other state and local programs.*

District residents, please keep reading to explore your options for energy bill assistance and payment plans. For full details, visit washingtongascares.com. Maryland and Virginia customers, please also see the link for information on energy programs in your areas.

ARREARAGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (AMP)

We understand that some of our customers continue to face financial hardships brought on by the COVID pandemic. In response, the Washington Gas AMP program can help you have past-due debt forgiven when new bills are paid on time. AMP can assist you with lowering or eliminating past-due balances, bringing accounts current, avoiding disconnection and reducing financial stress. https://bit.ly/ wg-amp

HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND (HAF)

As a District of Columbia homeowner, you can apply for housing-related financial assistance through the DC Homeowner Assistance Fund. Eligible homeowners impacted by COVID-19 can apply for grant funding to cover mortgage payments and other housing expenses, including utility payment assistance, up to $4,000. https://haf.dc.gov/

WASHINGTON AREA FUEL FUND (WAFF)

As winter approaches, some families will struggle to stay warm due to financial stress from illness, accidents, job losses or other unexpected events. Since 1983, WAFF has distributed nearly $32 million to help 306,000 local homes keep their heat on while they get back on their feet. On average, WAFF helps between 7,000 and 8,000 families in the district, Maryland and Virginia.*** https://washingtonareafuelfund.org/

BILL MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

If you don’t qualify for any of the options above, you can still get help with your bill! Washington Gas offers billing options such as the interest-free Installment Plan, which spreads outstanding balances across multiple billing cycles to help you catch up; the Budget Plan, which distributes winter heating costs over an entire year; and the Automated Payment Plan that deducts your bill automatically each month and eliminates check-writing and postage costs. https://bit. ly/wg-billing-programs

Thank you for being a Washington Gas customer. We wish you a warm and happy winter season! *Data courtesy of Washington Gas Power Bi analytics ***Data courtesy of Washington Area Fuel Fund

FEDERAL LIHEAP PROGRAM

LIHEAP funding offers grants to states and Washington D.C. to help qualified applicants pay their energy bills depending on household size, income and other factors. You can learn more and apply at https://doee.dc.gov/node/9412. Please note that programs below marked with ** require LIHEAP certification before applying.

RESIDENTIAL ESSENTIAL SERVICES (RES)**

Do you use natural gas as the principal source to heat your home? Through the RES program, also known as the Utility Discount Program, you may qualify for a monthly discount on electric, gas, water and sewage bills. https:// doee.dc.gov/node/714902

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WAP)**

If your household qualifies, the WAP program can provide technical and financial assistance to help reduce your energy bills while maintaining a safe, energy-efficient home. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), you may receive energy audits and weatherization solutions such as insulation, duct sealing, heating/ cooling system repairs/replacements, ENERGY STAR® appliances and more. https://doee.dc.gov/service/wap

EMERGENCY MECHANICAL SYSTEM PROGRAM (EMS)**

If you experience hot water tank, furnace, boiler or air conditioning failure and urgently need repairs or replacements, the DC DOEE-managed EMS program can help. In addition to being pre-certified through LIHEAP, at least one person living in the household must currently receive Social Security or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. https://doee.dc.gov/ service/wap

WASHINGTON GAS CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: PIPELINE REPLACEMENT WORK ON FLORIDA AVENUE, NE

Washington Gas is committed to stay connected and keep you up-to-date about scheduled work regarding the Florida Avenue, NE construction project. In coordination with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Washington Gas crews have been on-site since June 2021 to replace gas pipelines, with an estimated completion date in December 2023.

YOU MAY SEE US WORKING IN YOUR AREA

Construction work will entail the replacement of main and services between 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, weather and construction conditions permitting. Our crews will be on-site to conduct construction work from the intersection of 4th Street and Florida Avenue NE through H Street NE, Florida Avenue NE and Maryland Avenue NE.

Washington Gas also wants to reassure residents that we will continue to communicate daily with our experienced contractor, Infrasource, Inc., to help minimize disruption and impacts to customers in the area.

If you have questions regarding any of our construction processes, please call the PROJECTpipes Hotline at 202-624-6400, email Project_Pipes@washgas.com or visit washingtongas.com/projectpipes.