Telephone Assistance Changes for Washington Customers
The Washington Telephone Assistance Program, which provides discounted telephone service to low-income customers, ends today (Aug. 31). Customers will have to register for the federal Lifeline program to continue to receive a discount on their telephone bill.
All current WTAP customers will qualify for Lifeline. Even customers who did not qualify for WTAP may now qualify for the federal program. Lifeline provides a $9.25 discount to your landline telephone or wireless bill each month.
To register for the discount, contact your current telephone provider and tell them you qualify. You will be required to provide verification of your eligibility. Use the eligibility tool to find out if you are eligible. More information about Lifeline is available at www.lifelinesupport.org.
If you have any questions about the end of WTAP or need help with your Lifeline registration, call the UTC's Consumer Help Line at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882).
Prepare Now, Save Later
Fall is coming, and that means cooler weather won't be far behind. Take time now, while the weather is still nice, to get your home ready for the cold.
Check the exterior of your home to identify places where the cold may come in. Over time, homes settle making way to cracks and gaps. Common places for problems are along foundations, where materials and walls meet, and where pipes or conduits enter your home.Close up any cracks with caulk or another type of weatherproofing material.
Doors and windows can be a major factor in keeping your home energy efficient. Use weather stripping below doors and use clear sealing tape to seal gaps between your window frame and the wall. This alone can save you significant money on your heating bill.
Finally, the fall is the perfect time to have your furnace or heat pump serviced. Changing filters and making sure everything is working efficiently can save you money in the long run.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also know as LIHEAP, begins accepting applications for heating assistance on Oct. 1. Apply early, as funds are given on a first come, first served basis.
LIHEAP is a federal grant program which helps low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs by providing a one-time grant. The amount of the grant will depend on the households income and annual heat costs.
For information about the program, and how to apply, visit the Department of Commerce website.
Stay Connected
Follow the commission.
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission www.utc.wa.gov | 888.333.9882