Luzerne County Council expands utility assistance eligibility to aid more residents

The City of Wilkes-Barre Council held a regular session on April 10, 2025, where several important topics were discussed, particularly focusing on utility assistance programs available to residents.

The meeting began with an update on utility bill assistance programs managed by the Community Empowerment Organization (CEO). A representative informed the council about two specific initiatives aimed at helping residents reduce their utility costs. The first program, funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, was established in August 2023 after Luzerne County Council sought to expand eligibility for utility assistance beyond the limitations of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Previously, LIHEAP only assisted individuals earning below approximately $20,000, but the new initiative allocated $2.5 million to provide a one-time payment of $290 directly to utility companies for eligible homeowners.

Despite the program's potential, it attracted fewer applicants than anticipated, leading CEO to return $1 million to Luzerne County while retaining $700,000 and extending the application deadline to June 2025. Notably, the council removed the restriction that barred individuals who had previously received LIHEAP assistance from applying for this new funding, thereby broadening access to more residents.

The representative emphasized the need for increased public awareness regarding these programs, as many residents may not be informed about the changes in eligibility criteria. They urged local newspapers to help disseminate this information to ensure residents can take advantage of the available assistance before the upcoming deadline.

The second program discussed was the UGI Utilities Customer Assistance Program (CAP), which offers reduced monthly utility bills based on income levels and average usage. This program allows eligible homeowners to pay a lower fixed monthly amount rather than their actual usage, providing further financial relief.

Applications for both programs are available on the CEO website, and the representative encouraged council members to share information with constituents to maximize participation. The meeting concluded with a call for improved publicity to ensure that residents are aware of the assistance options available to them.