Title: 34.5 million households losing utility shutoff protections by Sept. 30
Headings: Nearly 35 million households will lose their utility shutoff protections over the next month
Nearly 35 million households will lose their utility shutoff protections over the next month
Effects not felt equally
How to get help with utility bills
Status of state utility moratoriums
American Electric Power CEO talks power consumption trends during coronavirus pandemic

Content: “Energy insecurity is already a widespread problem in the U.S. It disproportionately affects those at or below the poverty line, Black and Hispanic households, families with young children, people with disabilities and those who use electronic medical devices,” the researchers wrote . How to get help with utility bills
If you are struggling to pay your energy, water or telephone bills, contact your utility company directly to ask about bill assistance programs. Only 1% of eligible households take advantage of these programs, the NCLC finds. You may also qualify for assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is a federal program for low-income families that helps with energy bills. While income eligibility requirements vary by state, generally a four-person household earning less than $36,400 qualifies. You can call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327 to get information on where to apply for LIHEAP. The federally funded program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) can help with basic assistance as well as expenses related to housing, food, child care and job training. Each state runs its TANF program differently, but you can look up each program by state . There are also grants, programs and even charities where you may be able to apply for payment assistance. UtilityBillAssistance.com provides a helpful state-by-state breakdown.