Effective October 1, 2025, Energy Assistance program will provide assistance to eligible households affected by life-threatening temperatures.

Households Must:

1. Meet the Energy Assistance program factors such as:

• • Household, Citizenship, Vulnerability, Income guidelines, etc.

2. Have a verified energy crisis per policy 340:20-1-17(f)(2) for the utility that powers the heat in the winter or the cooling in the summer.
3. Meet the temperature requirement on the date of disconnect predicted to be:

• • A heat index of at least 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher; or
  • 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

The temperature is verified using the National Weather Service weather forecast for the household’s service zip code. The forecast information will be uploaded into OnBase for all certifications based on temperature.

Does NOT Require:

A medical statement from a licensed health care provider.

Guidance:

• Moratoriums are not considered for any crisis programs. This includes LT medical extensions provided by some utility providers if they do NOT provide an additional cutoff notice once the extension expires.
• When other energy assistance programs are open for enrollment, staff ensures the household applies for the other program, including ECAP.
• If the household is eligible for life-threatening assistance, eligibility for all energy assistance programs must be determined within 18 hours of the required verification being received, when applicable.
• The life-threatening assistance will consider the benefit issues for the other energy assistance programs, when applicable.
• The temperature must meet the criteria any day starting with the day of disconnect counting the 5 days following.

If you have questions or need clarification, please let us know.

Policy: 340:20-1-17 Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP).