Federal Program Adds Millions in Funding to Help Customers with Utility Bills

Overland Park, KS – As many Kansans are facing new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kansas Gas Service is encouraging customers to take advantage of the $900 million the federal government recently released to the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).

LIEAP, which is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs, has re-opened the application period to extend through May 29. The application extension period is targeting new applicants or residents who were denied after December 16, 2019 and want to reapply. In Kansas, the program is administered through the Kansas Department of Children and Families.

“We know that COVID-19 has brought hardships that many of our customers have never faced before, so we want to do what we can to spread the word about this important resource,” said Abbey Frye, Kansas Gas Service director of customer service.

How to Qualify

• Applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills

• Income eligibility requirements are set at 130% of the federal poverty level 

How to Apply

• Visit www.lieap.dcf.ks.gov 

The level of benefit varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel and utility rates. More information is available at www.kansasgasservice.com/special-services/lieap.

Ready to Help and Here for Customers

Kansas Gas Service is suspending disconnects due to nonpayment through May 31. A variety of options to make payments or set up alternative payment plans are available to customers who are facing financial difficulties. Customers should visit www.kansasgasservice.com/cares or call 800-794-4780 to discuss alternative payment arrangements. Customer service representatives are available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Additionally, the Share The Warmth program provides energy assistance to those whose immediate financial resources simply cannot cover their home-heating expenses. Find out more information at KansasGasService.com/special-services/share-the-warmth.

For the latest company actions related to COVID-19, visit: KansasGasService.com/coronavirus  or follow on Facebook and Twitter.