The Berkshire Community Action Council’s fuel assistance program is back in full swing for 2023 but its organizers say challenges persist in keeping homes warm this winter.
The Berkshire Community Action Council hosted a ribbon-cutting and walkthrough of its new location at 14 Maplewood Ave. on Friday, with about a month to go before the building will
With the increase in utility prices and the general rate of inflation, more folks are seeking aid to pay for heat and power through the LIHEAP program administered in Berkshire
With high heating oil prices, homeowners face uncertainty about costs they ll face heading into the next winter. Many homeowners, according to retailers, are only buying enough fuel to get through
But, time is running out.
According to Deborah Leonczyk, executive director of the Berkshire Community Action Council, which administers the federal program locally, utilities usually start shutting down clients for nonpayment after May 28. This year, the risks associated with the pandemic forced a moratorium on shut-offs until July 1.
So, officials fear that folks might not realize that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program application deadline falls before the deadlines for shut-offs. If they try to apply after the deadline, they will be denied, which could lead to a new set of problems.
âI just really hope people know how important it is to fill out that application,â Leonczyk said. âFolks need to understand that they will be shut off if they donât file their application on time. After the deadline, it will be too late.â