Cooling Program Introduced for Low-Income Households

August 1, 2016 – Families meeting income requirements now have relief available to them for their summer cooling bills.

Oregon was recently named a cooling state, which gives the state additional federal dollars for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Community Action Team in St. Helens has funds available for qualifying families to help with their electric bills this summer.

The program works essentially the same way as the LIHEAP heating program. However, because this is for cooling, the program works strictly for electric bills (not gas). Families using an air conditioner, fan, or other electric cooling element are eligible for assistance. The cooling assistance is separate from crisis assistance, meaning that any family who meets income requirements is eligible to participate. Assistance amounts vary based on a family’s income over the past 30 days.

Applications must be submitted to CAT by Sept. 16. They are available at the CAT office, 125 N. 17th Street in St. Helens, at the Columbia River PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, or online at www.cat-team.org.

The program was introduced as a Federal Pilot Program this year because of warming temperatures in the state of Oregon the past few years. Warmer winter temperatures resulted in leftover funds from the LIHEAP heating program. Those funds have been reallocated for the cooling program.

For more information, contact CAT at (503) 397-3511.

Income Guidelines
Size of Family Unit Annual Income 60% of Median Monthly Income 60% of Median
1 $21,933 $1,827.75
2 $28,681 $2,390.08
3 $35,429 $2,952.42
4 $42,177 $3,514.75
5 $48,926 $4,077.17
6 $55,674 $4,639.50