Energy Assistance 2023

WAGAP Energy Assistance phone lines open October 1

Helping Skamania and Klickitat County Low-Income residents

Bingen, Washington (September 21, 2023) - Beginning October 1, 2023, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will begin taking calls to schedule appointments for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for low-income residents in Klickitat and Skamania counties who need assistance paying their heating bills.

LIHEAP is provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce.  It covers all types of heating, including propane, electric, gas, oil, coal, and wood. To qualify for this program, a participant household’s average monthly income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

To put your name on the waiting list for appointments, call (509) 493-2662 extension 202 or toll-free (800) 755-1192 extension 202. For residents in the Wishram/Goldendale area, call (509) 773-6834 extension 369 or toll-free (800) 755-1192 extension 369.

Callers will be prompted to leave their name, phone number, and the town they live in and should indicate whether they are seniors (age 60+). They will be added to a waiting list, with seniors receiving priority. Callers are asked to leave only one message unless there is a change in their contact information. Staff will then contact callers directly in the order messages were received to schedule a fall appointment.

Even if a caller has applied for energy assistance in the past, each applicant must put together a complete packet of information for their appointment, including:

1.     ID for ALL adults in the household.

2.     Social Security cards for ALL household members (adults and children).

3.     Income received in the prior month for ALL household members.

4.     Proof of their physical address.

5.     A copy of your heating bill.

This complete packet of documentation must be brought to the scheduled appointment in order to apply for energy assistance. Staff cannot hold incomplete applications and would have to reschedule an appointment if anything is missing. 

This is not an emergency program. Scheduling will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. If a caller has been issued a disconnect notice from their energy provider, they must continue to work with that vendor to resolve the issue.

Energy Assistance application events for seniors at local Senior Centers are in the planning phase. Notices will be posted on the WAGAP website and social media once event dates are confirmed. Seniors are also encouraged to read their local senior center newsletters for announcements.