ORLANDO, Fla. – A set of federally funded programs offers emergency assistance to low‑income residents and seniors struggling with rising energy costs — a concern heightened by the recent cold snap in Central Florida.
The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program for the Elderly, or EHEAP, provides crisis support for adults 60 and older in Orange, Osceola, Brevard and Seminole counties. The program can help pay electricity, natural gas, propane, wood, coal and other refillable fuels, and may also cover pre‑payments, deposits to start or restore service, late fees, reconnect fees, charges from closed accounts and utility costs included in rent. Seniors may also qualify for blankets, portable fans or temporary emergency shelter during an energy‑related crisis. Applicants must show proof of residence and documentation of income, and must have a disconnected, delinquent or past‑due bill.
Another program, the Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps income‑qualified families with home heating and cooling costs. FloridaCommerce administers LIHEAP statewide, distributing federal funding to local community action agencies. Officials noted that benefits vary widely by state, and qualifying elsewhere does not guarantee eligibility in Florida…