Wyoming’s Department of Energy is urging families who meet the income test to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) before the winter heating season begins. Program manager Kristina Packard said the state has roughly $11 million available for the upcoming season, a level comparable to recent years, yet historically only about 16% of eligible households submit an application.
Eligibility and application process
To qualify, a household’s gross annual income must be at or below 60% of the state’s median income – roughly $2,988 per month for an individual, $3,908 for a couple, or $5,747 for a family of four. The program covers homeowners, renters, and residents of permanently parked RVs or campers. Applicants can apply online at mylieapwyo.org or call the toll‑free line at (800) 246‑4221 for assistance.
Benefits and recent trends
LIEAP provides a portion of heating‑related bills for electricity, natural gas, propane, wood pellets and other sources. For electric heating, the maximum benefit this season is about $1,280 – roughly a 4% increase over last year to keep pace with rising rates. Packard noted that the program also speeds up eligibility assessments for furnace replacement, a benefit that remains largely untapped.
Last winter, application rates fell below the 16% average, likely because the season was unusually mild. However, the state expects higher heating costs this year. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association projects an 8.7% rise in home heating expenses nationwide, driven by higher electricity and heating‑oil rates.
Utility rate hikes and local impact
Wyoming’s largest electric utility, Rocky Mountain Power, is seeking an 8.8% rate increase, while Black Hills Energy has trimmed a proposed increase to just under 29% for about 2,600 customers in the northeast. In Torrington, summer rates could rise 18% and winter rates 22% due to changes in transmission cost calculations, potentially adding roughly $11 to monthly bills.
Program history and federal context
The LIEAP program is funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In 2025, the Trump administration briefly halted staff and threatened to defund LIHEAP, causing a 45‑day delay before disbursements resumed in December. Wyoming continues to limit the federal funds to winter heating because the state is classified as a “cold‑weather state.” Discussions are ongoing about expanding assistance to cover summer cooling, though no changes have been approved.
Local resources
In addition to the state program, Energy Share of Wyoming offers assistance for households with special circumstances. Residents are encouraged to explore both options to ensure they receive the maximum support available.
Packard emphasized, “It doesn’t hurt to apply. The assistance is there, and we just encourage everyone to complete the application.” With utility rates climbing and winter weather unpredictable, the state hopes a higher application rate will help Wyoming families keep essential heat without sacrificing other necessities.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
