Applications are due today for the local Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program at Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, or HACAP. RenElla Crawford with HACAP states they have been seeing large utility bills due to the severe cold this winter. She adds they are hoping to keep people’s utilities connected.

Crawford explains one way people can pay down their bills is by entering into a deferred payment agreement to pay the bill over six or 12 months. Disconnects began April 1st.

She adds locally applications for assistance are down, but they anticipate more coming in as utility disconnects are threatened. To apply for LIHEAP contact HACAP in Washington County.