Keeping the home fires burning in the long, cold nights of winter is a burden for many West Virginians, but Gov. Joe Manchin says help is on the way for the seniors, the low-income and working poor.

Manchin agreed Monday to partner with Dollar Energy Fund Inc., organized in 1983, with its new non-profit hardship program known as West Virginia Utility Assistance Program.

The idea is to provide between $100 and $500 to help struggling West Virginians meet their power, gas and water bills.

“We are aware of the challenges that some of our families across the state are facing due to the rising energy costs,” Manchin said.

“The West Virginia Utility Assistance Program will help many families lift a burden as the winter season approaches.”

Cindy Datig, chief executive officer of Dollar Energy Fund, said the fund was happy to expand its reach so that hard-working residents finding it tough to make ends meet in winter months can get assistance.

“This program provides a hand up, not a handout, to low-income individuals, senior citizens and working poor families struggling to afford adequate natural gas, electric and water services.”

Utilities taking part in the program are Appalachian Power, Equitable Resources, Triana Energy, Chesapeake Energy, Dominion Hope and West Virginia-American Water Co.

To qualify, an applicant’s combined household income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty income guideline.

Applicants must have proof he or she is the ratepayer or customer of record and at least 18 years old, and provide a valid government-issued identification card, along with documented household income.

Anyone seeking help must apply for all state and federal programs, such as LIEAP and E-LIEAP.

An applicant must make payments totaling $100 toward a utility account within the previous 90 days. If the applicant is at least 62, a reduced payment of $75 is required.

Ineligible are accounts that are cooking only, commercial, industrial or an apartment with shared utility service. And, the applicant must live in the household where the utilities are provided.

Dollar Energy Fund was launched in western Pennsylvania by a coalition of concerned community, religious and business leaders. Its Hardship Program is the nation’s fourth largest. In its life, it has given more than $55 million to more than 225,000 low-income households in utility assistance money.

Recently, the Claude Benedum Foundation awarded the fund a two-year grant to kick off the Utility Assistance Program.

“Individual donations are critical to leveraging all potential funding,” said the program’s director, Danielle Snidow.

“I challenge all members of your community, individuals and corporations, to help working poor neighbors stay warm. Thanks to he generosity of our utility partners, corporate, foundation and customers, donations designated to provide utility assistance grants are matched dollar-for-dollar.”

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com