ST. LOUIS, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cold weather is here and furnaces are working to keep families warm. At this time of the year, many customers are eligible for heating assistance funds or unique payment plans to help stay warm. Federal funds including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and local programs like DollarHelp are available now for qualified heating customers.

"We've seen federal funds like LIHEAP decrease in recent years while the need remains strong. That's why we are encouraging eligible customers to apply for federal assistance as soon as possible while funds are still available," said Julie Trachsel, Laclede Gas manager of community and agency services. "DollarHelp is another way we can help provide much needed assistance with heating bills," she added.

Although federal funds are only available for a limited time, Laclede Gas offers DollarHelp assistance throughout the year regardless of the heating source. Last year alone, nearly 3,000 families kept warm thanks to DollarHelp funds. In partnership with the United Way, Laclede Gas covers all of the administrative costs of the program so every dollar donated directly helps those in need. To donate customers should simply check the red box on their bill to donate $1 a month on their gas bill or visit www.DollarHelp.org today.

To apply for federal funds or DollarHelp, residents can work with their local social service agency. In St. Louis City, residents can contact Urban League and in St. Louis County, residents can contact Community Action Agency of St. Louis County. Outside the metro, customers can call United Way at "2-1-1" to find the appropriate local agency for help.

In addition to funds, the Missouri Cold Weather Rule provides for the most lenient payment plan available for customers who have fallen behind on their accounts or need to reconnect their service. Available now through the end of March, the plan enables an eligible customer to keep or restore gas service by making an initial payment and then begin a balanced monthly payment plan. Assistance is also available year-round for elderly, disabled and low-income customers. For more information customers can call Laclede Gas at 314-621-6960 or visit www.LacledeGas.com/customer/assistance/.

To keep homes energy efficient year-round, weatherization assistance is available for low-income households. This can include reducing air infiltration, installing insulation, heating system repair or replacement, and air quality assessment. To get started customers can call United Way at "2-1-1" to contact their local agency.

ABOUT LACLEDE GAS COMPANY
The Laclede Gas Company has provided safe and reliable natural gas service to Missouri for more than 150 years. Now including customers from Missouri Gas Energy, Laclede Gas is the largest gas distribution company in Missouri, delivering some of the nation's cleanest energy to more than 1.13 million customers. Laclede serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas and 40 counties throughout Missouri. Laclede Gas Company is a subsidiary of The Laclede Group, Inc., traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LG. For more information, please visit www.LacledeGas.com.

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SOURCE Laclede Gas Company