Luckily, the Central Florida summer temperatures have been softening slightly over the past few weeks, though plenty of hot, sweltering days are still looming around the corner for the month of September, and a portion of October.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the planet’s record heat wave, which began in June 2023, has continued through 2024. April 2024 marked 11 consecutive months of record-breaking global temperatures.

For all of us paying higher than normal electric bills due to these heightened temperatures, I believe we can all agree the additional costs have put a damper on our pocketbooks, and especially, for elderly Central Floridians on fixed incomes.

Fortunately, there is an initiative which supports qualified households who are financially overextended due to high energy costs. The program, EHEAP, which stands for Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program, supports low-income, elderly households.

The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) manages this social service project for much of the Central Florida region, including both Osceola and Orange counties. Funded by the Department of Elder Affairs in collaboration with the Senior Resource Alliance (SRA), this support initiative, available for residents 60 and older, is crucial for seniors experiencing “home energy emergencies.”

An energy emergency constitutes a delinquent utility bill for air or heat, and/or a notice to disconnect services based on a lack of payment.

“Depending on the crisis, multiple benefits can be distributed within a 12-month period, whether it be for utility bills, service reconnection, repairs, or replacement of broken and/or inefficient HVAC (heating, ventilation, air cooling) systems,” said Rob Gilts, Osceola Council on Aging’s senior compliance officer.

To be eligible, households must have at least one individual age 60 or older in the home with a documented heating or cooling emergency. Also, the household’s income must be at or below 60% of the state median income as computed by the federal poverty guidelines of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
EHEAP benefits can also be used for:

Pre-paying energy bills.
Purchasing portable fans, window air conditioners, blankets, and space heaters.
Deposits to connect or restore energy.
Late fees and disconnect/reconnect fees.
Charges from a closed account previously held by the elder resident.
Payment to a landlord when utility costs are included in rent.
Temporary emergency shelter due to an energy-related crisis.

To qualify under the OCOA’s guidance, applicants must reside in Orange or Osceola county, with energy bills being in the elder’s name. That individual will be required to provide proof of residence such as a driver’s license and/or other identification.

“The EHEAP program is one of many programs offered by the SRA, enabling seniors to age with independence and dignity,” said Karla Radka, President and CEO of the Senior Resource Alliance.

“Sadly, we are hearing it firsthand: Central Florida’s low-income seniors are facing higher household expenses. And now, as temperatures are at their peak, energy bills are higher too. These individuals face challenging decisions every day, often choosing between food, medication, or basic utilities.”

Since August of 2020, the OCOA has received more than 1,600 applications for assistance, providing more than $1.1 million in EHEAP benefits in both Central Florida counties. During that same period, the OCOA has repaired or replaced more than 120 HVAC units under EHEAP funding.

For residents who want to learn more about this program, visit OsceolaGenerations.org/emergency-home-energy-assistance-for-the-elderly.

Wendy Coschignano-Ford is the president/CEO of the Osceola Council on Aging.

To apply for emergency utility bill assistance in Orange and Osceola counties, call OCOA at 407-846-8532. For Seminole County, call 407-333-8877. For Brevard County, call 321