The North Carolina General Assembly has approved $9 million in Disaster Energy Assistance combined for all counties impacted by Hurricane Helene including Buncombe County.
This program provides additional aid with home heating as the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) began taking general applications on January 2.
“This program is a little different than most energy programs we are currently running or have run in the past,” said Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “It allows us to serve those affected by the disaster by meeting their needs for utility assistance or even repairing or replacing HVAC systems that have been damaged by the storm with no cap on the benefit level.”
Individuals and households in Buncombe County who were impacted by Hurricane Helene and who meet all eligibility criteria may receive disaster energy benefits. Households with heating services or systems that require repairs, are currently inoperable, have been disconnected, or are at risk of having their services disconnected can apply for this program.
The Disaster Energy Assistance program can assist with:
- Utility bills, reconnection costs/fees, deposits, and meter repair
- Propane/fuel oil tanks
- Natural gas/propane line repair
- Propane/fuel oil delivery
- Insulation replacement
- Necessary wiring/circuit board replacement to be able to heat a home
- Repair or replacement costs for furnaces
- Coats and blankets, as tangible benefits to keep individuals warm
- Space heaters/electric heaters
Applicants must have been Buncombe County residents at the time of application and at the time of the disaster and must meet the 2025 Disaster Gross Income Limit of 60% of State Median Income (SMI).
Disaster Energy Assistance Gross Income Limits
No. Eligible in Household Maximum Countable Income
1 $2,728
2 $3,568
3 $4,407
4 $5,247
5 $6,086
6 $6,926
7 $7,083
8 $7,241
9 $7,398
10 $7,555
11 $7,713
12 $7,870
Households can apply for both LIEAP and the Disaster Energy Assistance funding. Applications are available online the fastest and most convenient way to apply. Residents can also apply in person at 40 Coxe Ave. in Downtown Asheville, which is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or via phone at 828-250-5500.
Written by Buncombe County.