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State gives low-income families energy boost

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005 | 10:05 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- With predictions of spiking natural gas and electricity prices, the state has set aside more than $24 million to help low-income families pay their energy bills and weatherize their homes.

The state Welfare Division, through its energy assistance program, will have about $20 million in grants for residents to pay their heating and cooling bills.

Also, the division has about $4.3 million for energy-saving improvements on homes.

During the last fiscal year the Welfare Division paid out more than $15 million in grants to 17,600 families in need with an average grant of $743.

Linda Mercer, administrator of the state Housing Division, estimates there are 160,000 eligible homes in Nevada, but only about 11 percent sought energy assistance.

A single person who has a gross monthly income of less than $1,196 would qualify. A family of four with a gross income of $2,419 per month would be eligible.

A family must pay 3.3 percent of its gross income toward energy costs, and the state picks up the rest of the bill, Mercer said.

People can apply by calling 1-866-846-2009.

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