City giving away energy-efficient kits to low-income households

As colder temperatures kick on furnaces this week, the city of Sioux Falls is giving away free kits to help low-income households cut their heating and electricity bills.

The energy efficiency kits include two LED light bulbs, a smart power strip that conserves energy when appliances aren’t in use, plastic film for covering five windows, weather stripping for outside doors, a hot water gauge, a refrigerator/freezer thermometer and outlet and light switch insulators.

Putting all that to use should save residents about $100 a year in utility costs, according to the city.

“They’re nice kits. They’ll definitely benefit those families,” Community Development Program Specialist Brent Tucker said.

To qualify, a household must make less than 80 percent of the median income. For a family of four, that’s $57,000 per year.

Other programs are also available for people struggling to pay heating bills. The South Dakota Department of Social Services administers a federal program known as the Low Income Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP. Last year, the program helped 4,340 families in Minnehaha County, providing more than $2.67 million in assistance.

Most applications for LIHEAP are processed in the summer, but people can apply year-round. A four-family household can make up to $10,434 in a three-month span and still qualify for the program.

The city’s Community Development Department has several programs to help low-income families lower their energy bills, including incentives for replacing furnaces, windows and doors for both owner-occupied homes and mobile homes. Residents who qualify for those programs will also receive an energy efficiency kit.

“Many of our clients are on fixed incomes and live in older housing that lacks good insulation and has inefficient windows, doors, and heating and cooling systems. Any opportunity to help them reduce their out-of-pocket expenses is greatly appreciated,” Tucker said.

Heating assistance through South Dakota Department of Social Services

• Applications at dss.sd.gov/energyassistance

• Include: A copy of your current heating bill, proof of the past three full months of income for all people in the home, proof of child support paid

• Call 1-800-233-8503

• • Sioux Falls office: 81 E. 10th St., 367-5444