Do You Need Help With Your Energy Bill?

Submitted by Washington Gas

You may know Washington Gas as a 175-year-old utility provider, and we are proud of both our history and our future innovations. But while that describes what we do, our hope is that you will know us just as much for who we are. As friends and neighbors, we care deeply about the hardships facing our communities. Even more importantly, we want to demonstrate our care for you with actions that help our city build resiliency and thrive under any circumstances.

“Washington Gas is dedicated to the communities, families, neighbors and individuals we serve. It’s part of who we are and what the Washington Gas Cares initiative is all about – to lend a helping hand when customers can use it the most,” said Blue Jenkins. “Our team stands ready to support customers facing difficult decisions when paying their bills. We can identify the right energy assistance option and payment plan that fits a customer’s budget and schedule during a time of need. Customers can also contact us directly. Let us help you today.”

The programs and resources below are just a sample of ways you can seek assistance for yourself and those you love. To learn more about any of the options below, visit washingtongascares.com or scan the QR code on this page.

Get Help With Your Bill

You may qualify for a grant from the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program to help pay your energy bill. Many other federal and state assistance programs can also use your LIHEAP application to provide additional aid, so this can be one of the most valuable actions you can take for receiving energy assistance.

The Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) is a partnership between Washington Gas and The Salvation Army that has distributed more than $33 million over the past 40 years to more than 300,000 area families for help with utilities. If you are a qualifying District of Columbia resident, you can receive assistance regardless of your energy provider.

Manage Your Energy Costs

Whether you own, rent or are planning to buy a first home, your utility budget matters as you plan your budget each month. Completing an online Home Energy Profile provides you with an energy ranking, savings estimate and upgrade recommendations for your home energy usage. It takes about five minutes and requires no sign-up or personal data. You may also qualify for free Energy Conservation Kit.

Energy Saver is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) consumer resource for saving energy and using renewable energy technologies at home. Get tips for everything from lowering home heating and cooling costs to improving moisture control and ventilation.

Through the DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program, you may also apply for an “energy retrofit” for everything from new insulation, updated heating and cooling systems and upgraded electrical appliances.

Managing Your Washington Gas Bill

You can make payment arrangements by enrolling in the Installment Payment Plan before signing up for Budget Plan. Defer payments for up to 12 months or 24 months if you are receiving energy assistance. No down payment is required, and payment deferral is interest-free. Installment plans distribute your current outstanding balance across several billing periods. Avoid further credit action on your account as long as you make payments according to the agreement. Once your plan is approved, you will be eligible to enroll in Budget Plan.

The Budget Plan spreads the cost of winter heating over the entire year so that you pay the same amount every month. Each month, your bill will show actual gas usage, along with budget installments, so you can review the information. The Budget Plan is designed as a 12-month program, and we encourage you to stay on it year-round to realize the potential benefits. Payment Extension Plans are available for residential customers only and allow for the extension of the payment due date.

Washington Gas is hosting a signup event to assist customers with applying for energy assistance. Please join us on May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our walkin office at the National Press Building located at 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045. Our friendly experts will be on-hand to answer customer questions and to help with applying for energy assistance.

Scan the QR code on this page, or visit us at washingtongascares. com, or reach out to EAP@washgas.com with questions.

This summer, be sure to spend time at your local library. Did you know it is a magical place? Kid Scoop’s Jim the Librarian says, “Be sure to tell your librarian the kinds of books you like to read. Your librarian is your guide to the magic of the library!”

Library Adventures

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Color one of these books each time you read a book this summer!

How many stars can you nd on this page in two minutes?

Books called biographies introduce you to famous people. Read about the lives of some interesting people this summer!

Use the code to reveal the names of some famous people. Read more about them at your library!

Books and stories are set in interesting places, all over the world and even in magical places. Color in part of this rocket’s trail for each real or imaginary place you read about this summer.

Magazine Shelf

Every time you spend 10 minutes or more reading a magazine, color in one of the magazines on this shelf.

Travel Through Time!

Do you want to learn about pirates? Dinosaurs? Pyramids? History books can let you travel through time!

Can you nd the two identical robots?

Talking Pictures

Select a picture of a sports star or famous person in the newspaper. Pretend this person can talk to you. Write words for them to say and put the words in a talking bubble to make the picture look like a comic.

This week’s one big your summer page and you can accomplishments!

Canyou ndatleast10dibetweenerences thesetwo dinosaurs?

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Reading

Cutest Animal on Earth

What do you think is the cutest animal on earth? Why? Write a paragraph to convince others to share your opinion.

Every time following,

Score boxes: boxes: