Iowa customers approved under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Weatherization Program cannot be disconnected during the state’s annual winter moratorium under Iowa Code 476.20(2). The annual moratorium usually runs from November 1 to April 1. Due to current disasters that will be extended.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued proclamations of disaster emergency because of continuing flooding. As a result, the flooding threatens the public peace, health, and safety of the citizens of Iowa. When a governor’s disaster proclamation is made in a county, the Iowa Individual Assistance Program goes into effect for low-income families. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website.

Sieda Counties qualified under the Iowa Individual Assistance Program:

Appanoose         Davis         Mahaska         Wapello

Moreover, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) issued an emergency order consistent with the Governor’s proclamations. The IUB is extending the end of the winter moratorium from April 1 to May 13, 2019. This extension applies to all electric and natural gas services. The IUB time extension covers all 99 counties. That is to say, you don’t have to figure out which counties are under the current disaster.

To recap, all LIHEAP-approved customers in all 99 counties in Iowa will receive the moratorium extension through May 13th. 

For further questions contact your local Sieda Neighborhood Resource Center Locations. In addition, you can apply for heating assistance (LIHEAP) until Tuesday, April 30. Learn if you qualify.