EAP, Columbia Gas of Virginia offer relief after winter storm ahead of ‘National Energy Assistance Day’

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- As Virginians continue to reel from the aftermath of a weekend winter storm and resulting power outages, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) and Columbia Gas of Virginia are offering help to those struggling financially to keep up with upcoming energy bills.

The EAP assists low-income households with their "immediate home energy needs" through four different areas of focus: fuel assistance, crisis assistance, cooling assistance and weatherization assistance.

According to the EAP's website, households may qualify for assistance in these areas if they have a heating or cooling expense and a gross monthly income that doesn't exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.

Columbia Gas of Virginia is also reminding customers who may need financial assistance paying their energy bills or past-due balances about programs available to help them.

This reminder comes just in time following this past weekend's winter storm.

"Following that significant winter storm we just experienced in Virginia, it’s very likely that our customers used more natural gas than usual to stay safe and warm," said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. "For those who may be falling behind on your energy bills, please contact us. We’ll work with you to explore the wide array of options available to help you stay connected and your natural gas services online."

Payment plans range from three, six, nine and 12 months, and according to the release, are described as "flexible, to help spread the balance due on natural gas bills across several months."

To submit applications for fuel, crisis or cooling assistance, you can do so at a local department of social services or by mail (USPS) or fax.