NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — With temperatures reaching record-breaking highs, members of the Metro Action Commission are reminding people of help that's available.
Metro Action Commission's energy assistance program, LIHEAP, helps pay residents' air conditioning bill, and as part of that program, the Metro Action Commission is handing out free fans and air conditioners for those who are eligible.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is already underway serving several thousand low income residents in Nashville. They have already given out several fans and ACs, and have plenty of more on the way.
"The weather is dictating that we need more units available. The units that we have will cool a typically size house, they're 8,000 BTU's , they're energy efficient and we also tell our customers let us help you with that bill," said Lisa McCrady, public information officer with Metro Action Commission.
Those 62-years-old or older, families with children under six -years-old, and those with disabilities suffering from medical conditions that are affected by extreme heat could be eligible to receive a free fan and or an air conditioning unit during the summer months from May until the end of August.
But staff also say in most cases those who qualify for a free cooling system may also qualify for financial assistance on their energy bills.
"Anytime the temperatures are extremely cold or in this case extremely warm we do get an uptick of customers who are coming in to ask for assistance and we’re grateful that we’re here to help and we have plenty of funding to help with utility payments," McCrady said.
Metro Action Commission did receive more funding this year which can help serve up to 30- thousand families through LIHEAP. So staff are asking those who were denied before May because of income eligibility to come back and apply again.
For more information on how to apply head to the Metro Action Commission's website.
