Energy Share can help with home energy bills during COVID-19

People who are worried about how they are going to pay home energy bills as a result of issues related to COVID-19 can contact Energy Share of Montana.

Energy Share is a statewide nonprofit organization whose purpose is to help Montanans facing loss of heat or lights in their home, and who have no resources to pay the bill themselves. Energy Share is fuel blind so helps people no matter what their heat source is.

People who need help or knows someone who needs help can:

• Contact District 4 Human Resources Development Council in Havre at 265-6743 or visit http://www.hrdc4.org online. HRDC handles applications for Energy Share and for the federally-funded Low Income Energy Assistance Program, LIEAP. This is the most direct route for people seeking assistance;

• People can visit http://www.energysharemt.com/how-to-apply; or

• Call 1-888-779-7589 and let Energy Share know their town and phone number. They will be directed to the office that handles applications for your area.

Energy Share representatives said they appreciate the consideration of utilities, electric cooperatives and propane vendors for suspending disconnects and making special arrangements with their customers in need. If people run into trouble paying their bill, the first thing to do is contact their energy provider. People should stay in communication with them as they work toward paying their bill or applying for assistance to do so.

Energy Share is funded in the private sector with donations from individuals, small businesses, utility companies, electric cooperatives, propane vendors, and some large electric users. People who have the resources to do so, are asked consider helping their neighbor keep their home energy bill in good status by donating to Energy Share. All of the donation will be used to help someone in need. People can go to http://www.energysharemt.com/donate-now or mail a check to Energy Share, 3117 Cooney Drive Suite 102, Helena, MT, 59602.