Local Thursday, November 15, 2007 By Agnes E. DonatoReporter
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has signed into law legislation that increases funding for the government's utility aid program.The new law earmarks $300,000 from the Tobacco Control Fund revenues for a supplemental account to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.The new legislation took into effect retroactively to Oct. 1, 2007.Public Law 15-110 was enacted in a bid to help local residents in paying for power bills. Low-income families can apply for the supplemental aid for the portion of their CUC bills not covered by the LIHEAP subsidy.The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs will manage the funds.The Legislature noted that, although LIHEAP provides assistance to low-income consumers, the aid does not cover the full amount of most Commonwealth Utilities Corp. billings.As a result, many-low income families have had their power supply disconnected for non-payment.Nearly 450 residents are receiving financial assistance under LIHEAP, a federal program. This number was reduced from almost 700 a year ago due to utility disconnections.“The creation of a LIHEAP supplemental account from Tobacco Control Fund revenues will assist low income families in paying CUC bills in excess of the LIHEAP subsidy. This will ensure that vital power and water services remain connected, and that the health of low-income families is not jeopardized by the rise in power rates in the Commonwealth,” the Legislature states in the legislation.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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