Program Helps Low-Income Families Pay Heating Bills Expects Funds Run Out

[Roland99]

http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=3937614

(LOUISVILLE) -- A 64 percent increase in natural gas prices slated to take effect Nov. 1st already has many LG&E customers sweating. Thousands of customers receive financial help during the colder months each year anyway, and many are wondering how such a dramatic rate hike will affect them. WAVE 3's Maureen Kyle investigates.

When Jana Maddox heard about the planned increase for natural gas customers, she says her first thought was: "how are people going to pay their LG&E bills? Literally. That was the first thing that went through my mind."

That's something Jana struggled with four years ago when she started getting help through the Community Action Partnership program (CAP), which helps low-income Kentuckians pay their heating bills.

Shortly after recieving assistance from CAP, Jana gave back, helping the organization by answering phones and helping counsel other people having problems scraping up enough cash to keep the utilities on for another month.