Do you need help paying your energy bills? You’re not alone. Sky-high energy prices are squeezing the pocketbooks of many in San Joaquin County. Between the ongoing economic effects of the pandemic and geopolitical situations throttling oil production, everyday community members are looking for a break, whether it be bill pay assistance or weatherizing their home to make it more energy efficient. HEAP, San Joaquin County’s Home Energy Assistance Program also known as HEAP, is here to help.
The Home Energy Assistance Program is a service provided by SJC’s Human Services Agency and offers income-eligible residents of San Joaquin County a credit toward their utility bill. Along with the utility credit, clients will also receive valuable information about energy conservation and practical tips on how to save energy and keep utility bills at a manageable level. Plus, HEAP offers weatherization services by evaluating the home to receive measures such as ― window stripping, new appliances like a fridge or stove, or upgraded temperature control measures like a ceiling fan or energy efficient heater ― regardless of whether you rent or own. Making San Joaquin County homes as energy efficient as possible is vital to reaching climate goals while keeping the residents safe from extreme weather.
If you are income-eligible and paying a large part of your income toward energy costs, you may qualify for HEAP assistance. HEAP focuses on households of vulnerable populations. If you’re living with a senior over the age of 60, a child under five or an individual with a disability, HEAP can help reduce your
energy costs.
HEAP’s mission is to assist applicants with their energy costs while better preparing their homes for the future. HEAP is not an entitlement program; rather, it’s a one-time assist in bill paying. The amount of HEAP assistance you can receive is based on your household size and household income. For eligible applicants, HEAP provides one-time payment toward an energy utility bill once per year. Keep in mind that utility credits can take 8-12 weeks to appear on your utility bill. If you receive a HEAP credit, you are still responsible for paying your utility bill while the credit is being processed.
For HEAP’s weatherization services, both owners and renters are eligible to apply, although renters must receive permission from their landlord. Weatherization includes installing energy saving measures and repairing homes, apartments, and mobile homes. If you’re income-eligible, you could qualify for repair or replacement of your refrigerator, stove, water heater or microwave. Weatherization could mean installing insulation or completing a minor home repair, installing LED light bulbs and new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, shade screens, weather stripping and other energy-saving upgrades.
When your need is dire, HEAP offers emergency weatherization services. Upon application, customers can receive immediate help with heating and cooling needs in as little as two weeks’ time, including repair or replacement of a faulty furnace, a water heater on the fritz or a broken air conditioner. For more information about the weatherization program, please contact: (209) 953-SAVE.
Customers can apply to HEAP once a year. If you need assistance with your energy bills or energy upgrades to your home, don’t wait; apply today by downloading the LIHEAP Application packet. Once filled out, return via email, fax, mail, or self-service drop box. If you’re unable to print the application, please call to have an application mailed to your home. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. and 1:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
HEAP Offers SJC Residents Assistance on Their Bills
While Making Homes
More Energy Efficient
Sponsored by
Sponsored by
Who’s Eligible
How It Works
How to Apply
Why HEAP?
Phone: 209.468.1500
E-Mail: heap@sjgov.org
Fax: 209.932.2649
US Mail: Energy Program, PO Box 201056, Stockton CA 95201
Self Service Drop Box: 333 E. Washington Street, Stockton CA 95202
Office Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday
Vulnerable populations were already struggling with rising energy costs. Allowing HEAP to assist with a bill that one is struggling to pay can ease the stress that one maybe feeling. Now that extreme weather events are more common and more dangerous, the need for assistance is dire. It is no longer enough to provide financial assistance. HEAP is using preventative fixes like weatherization to help alleviate need in the future. Upgrading or replacing existing energy systems improves quality of life for community members and improves our climate. Simply put, HEAP saves lives while helping our environment, ensuring a better future for all!
To learn more about HEAP, visit
https://www.sjchsa.org/Services/Aging-and-Community-Services/Home-Energy-Assistance-Program-HEAP
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