HALLOWELL, Maine — The Maine Public Utilities Commission is making some adjustments to two programs that serve low-income Mainers.
The commission approved more than $20 million for its Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP), which helps qualified low-income consumers pay electricity costs, according to a release from a spokesperson for the commission.
The commission also approved a temporary doubling of the federal poverty threshold for other eligibility-based programs through the Department of Health and Human Services, such as healthcare assistance. This will allow an additional 46,000 Mainers to meet the requirements and be eligible for help, the release stated.
LIAP eligibility can be determined by local Community Action Agencies or through means-testing for DHHS programs, according to the state. Those who qualify receive a credit on their electric bill based on income and electricity usage.
The commission decided to keep approximately $1.3 million in unused program funding in the LIAP fund for future program years, due to the fact that the $7.5 million contribution from the general fund is not expected to continue beyond the upcoming program year, according to the release.
“Although we saw some relief this year in energy prices, we also heard from Mainers who are still struggling," Maine PUC chair Philip L. Bartlett II said in the release. “Last year’s allocation was more than sufficient to fully fund the program. We are confident that this level of funding will again be adequate to meet the current need, particularly in light of lower energy prices, but we will monitor throughout the year and adjust accordingly. We are always looking to balance the needs of customers who are having difficulty paying their bills with the impact of these programs on other ratepayers.”
Anyone wishing to apply for LIAP who is not enrolled in a DHHS program should contact their local Community Action Program. For more information, click here.