Seniors and low-income families getting a break on their energy bill

A local group said senior citizens everywhere have a tough time getting by, and they need all the help they can get.

Tony Gallegos, Brawley American Citizens Club, said, ” They also have the water bill. You have the food bill. You have your gas bill. You have your medical which your Medicare only pays 80%. ”

On top of that, Gallegos said seniors have the light bill to deal with, which in Imperial County is of major concern during the summer.

“We donate money towards funeral arrangements which is another thing that’s very expensive is funeral,” Gallegos said.

Robert Schettler , Imperial Irrigation District, said they’re also doing their part reaching out to seniors.

“One has been to change the age of what a senior citizen is classified as from age 65 to age 62. Now you can qualify for the senior citizens discount rate which is thirty-percent off your IID electric bill,” Schettler said.

They’re reaching out to low-income households as well.

“It increased the level of income that you can have and still qualify,” Schettler said.

A graphic from the Residential Energy Assistance Program shows various income eligibility levels. Households with up to two people can earn up to $32,920 and still qualify, for example.

“You can basically be earning income two hundred percent of the federal poverty guideline and still qualify for this program,” Schettler said.

He said they’ve heard of cases across the border in which the lack of electricity has been a factor in tragedies. He said it should not happen locally.

For more information on the residential energy assistance program, REAP, people can contact the IID at their website.