West Alabama agencies getting funds for helping families with energy bills

It’s no secret that summers in Alabama are hot and air conditioning is expensive. It’s also no secret that many families have a hard time making their financial ends meet. That’s why Alabama recently awarded state agencies more than $1 million those organizations can use to help low-income households with energy costs.

West Alabama organizations got more than $100,000 in funding, meaning residents having a hard time keeping cool this summer won’t have to choose between food on the table and a thermostat set a little lower.

“As these record hot summer months continue, many low-income residents may struggle to afford higher electric bills along with other expenses,” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement. “These grants provide additional funding to assist in lowering cooling costs for many of them.”

The agencies getting funds manage their local Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, meaning they take applications from people seeking assistance who meet U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines.

Here’s a list of West Alabama agencies receiving grants:

• Community Service Programs of West Alabama, serving Bibb, Choctaw, Dallas, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties: $109,473
• Walker County Community Action Agency, serving Walker County: $20,883
• Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation, serving Pickens County: $5,823

If you’re interested in seeking assistance, contact your local agency.