TVA EnergyRight® has joined with local power companies to launch a resource that helps Memphis families in need find information more easily about federal funds available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Small mouths to feed. Elderly parents in need of medicine. Rents or mortgages to pay. Overdue bill notices. It’s all a crushing burden for many across America who’ve seen jobs and income evaporate in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. More people than ever before are now eligible for income-based assistance programs, but accessing them can be a real challenge.

That’s why TVA EnergyRight has joined with Memphis Light, Gas & Water and other local power companies to grow awareness of a federal program called the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, and refer families to where they can apply.

LIHEAP operates even in the best of times to help eligible households pay their home energy bills. But as part of the recently passed COVID-19 federal stimulus package, it has received an additional $900 million cash infusion for all states. The rules for eligibility are expected to be relaxed to enable more people to qualify for assistance.

TVA EnergyRight has launched a resource to make it a little easier to take the first steps toward getting help. Select "Tennessee" and "Shelby County" from the menu to see the qualifications for your area. 

“This resource is being promoted across the Valley to empower more families with the knowledge that there may be financial assistance out there for them,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president and chief external relations officer. “Public power means doing what’s right for the people we serve, so we’re pleased to partner with local power companies to help get their customers to the right place to apply for these federal funds.”