Check out the different resources below to see if you qualify for any of these assistance programs. Give us a call at 573-475-3212 to see if we can help match you up with a program that might suit your specific need or situation, we are here for you.
There are energy assistance programs below that are designed to assist income eligible households with the cost of heating their homes or making energy efficiency home improvements to help lower their utility costs. If you owe for past due service, you may be able to make an arrangement with BMU and avoid disconnection of your utility services. If you need more help or time to pay your bill fill out the Utility Payment Agreement Form and call us at 573-471-3328 to see what payment arrangements may be available to you or to sign up for our BMU Budget Billing Program
LIHEAP - The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded block grant program to assist low-income households with paying their utility bills. Find more information here: https://mydss.mo.gov/energy-assistance
DAEOC - offers Energy Assistance (EA) Program OR Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) find more information here: https://www.daeoc.com/energy-assistance
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM This application portal is for RENTERS seeking assistance for past-due rent, forward rent, and/or utilities.
https://safhr.smapply.org/prog/safhr_renter_application_portal/
LOW INTEREST LOANS -Energy Efficiency Improvements - provides loans to public schools (K-12), public/private colleges and universities, local governments including public owned airport facilities (municipal, county, regional, and international), public water/wastewater treatment facilities and public/private not-for-profit hospitals to help reduce energy costs through the Energy Loan Program. Please refer to current loan cycle offering for eligible applicants. This loan financing may be used for various energy-saving investments.
https://energy.mo.gov/assistance-programs/energy-loan-program
ENERGY EFFICIENCY LOW INCOME WEATHERIZATION BENEFIT OPTIONS Qualifying low income homeowners and renters within the area are eligible to receive assistance in the form of weatherization improvements to their homes. Elderly and disabled persons are given preference. The improvements include caulking, water heater jackets, weather stripping, and insulation.
https://energy.mo.gov/assistance-programs/liwap
https://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/1864
The Missouri statewide HeatShare program covers all of Missouri. The program is a utility or heating bill assistance program for the disabled and elderly, help for low-income households and for those, because of unexpected expenses and bills such as a birth or death in the family, find themselves unable to pay their energy or heating bills. HeatShare provides payments and grants toward electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, heating or wood bills. In addition, note that grants may be available for emergency repairs to air conditioners, furnaces, hot water heaters and other energy related equipment or for repairs to broken doors and or windows. Call 1-800-336-4547, or more information on Missouri HeatShare.
OTHER LOCAL AGENCY RESOURCE OPTIONS:
Dial 2-1-1 to utilize the United Way’s free service, to get you connected to the resources you need.
Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri - Sikeston Office, 205 West Malone, Suite B, Sikeston, MO 63801 PHONE: 573.481.0659 https://ccsomo.org/
Senior Citizens (age 60+ only) can reach out to Aging Matters (573) 335 -3331 ext. 113 for utility assistance.
Salvation Army (573) 931-0030
Veterans can reach out to our local VFW for assistance, by calling (573) 471-7575
Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way (573) 471-0310
LOCAL ENERGY AUDITOR
-Offers residential energy audits throughout southeast Missouri. Home energy audits can show you ways to maximize the energy efficiency of your home.
GreenShield, LLC - Jason W. Austin, Risco, MO - (573) 703-7941 https://greenshield.biz/