Temperatures will be dropping quite a bit and with COVID-19, the holidays, needing to turn lights on earlier in the evening, and using the heater for longer stretches, this time of year can be financially straining for so many people. Finding resources for heating assistance can be a challenge + you might not even know where to begin, so we’ve compiled a list of resources for paying your heating bill as temperatures begin to drop into the 40s, 30s, and yes, even the 20s next week. 🥶
🔥 Chattanooga Gas has an Alternative Payment Program that allows those having trouble with past due balances because of COVID-19 to set up payment arrangements in 12 monthly installments, without providing a down payment, using the My Account feature. If you are already on installments + need to renegotiate your terms, you can call (866) 643-4168 to speak with an agent.
🔥 Chattanooga Human Services organization provides assistance for utility bills, medications, rent, shelter, and more. They also offer Tennessee Low Income Heating Emergency Assistance, a federally funded program that provides heating + cooling bill assistance. Call (423) 757-5541 to speak with an agent.
🔥 The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps those who are eligible pay for their heating service via grants that do not have to be paid back. You can check the income guidelines for the program here + apply here. Hamilton County residents can learn more about receiving help for energy bills by watching this video.
Pro Tip: Those who are approved for the home energy assistance program can also take advantage of the Weatherization Program, which helps to reduce cooling + heating costs by assessing and fixing issues like poor insulation and ill fitting windows and doors. Renters are eligible, as long as the landlord agrees to the work being done.
🔥 ClearPoint, a national, nonprofit credit counseling agency is offering assistance for those having trouble paying bills. For English, call (800) 251-2227. For Spanish, call (866) 559-8198. You can also visit the website.
🔥 United Way is offering info and resources for individuals + families looking for food, clothing, and financial assistance, as well as emergency shelter. You can reach out by calling (866) 921-3035, texting your zip code to 898-211 to start a text chat, or emailing.
🔥 EPB’s Power Share program provides direct support to Chattanooga area families in need with the help of United Way 211 + donations from the community. Making a donation is quick and easy — EPB customers can seamlessly donate to the program while paying their monthly bill online.