Home heating help for North Dakotans following first snowfall

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Temperatures are dropping, and with the first flakes falling, people are flipping on their heaters.

In a state where warmth is essential, the cost is climbing, but North Dakota offers a program that can help you get warm and stay warm.

The first snow of the season is falling outside the Godfread household.

“Our winters are very severe, but I think that they can also be very cozy,” said Bismarck resident Amanda Godfread.

But to get that warm, snuggly, winter feeling, it’ll cost you. So, like most other North Dakotans, the Godfreads have a certain rule:

“Keeping the temperature in our home a certain degree was definitely a discussion when my husband and I got married. He runs much warmer than I do. So, I think if it were up to him, our house would be 65 degrees. If it were up to me, it would probably be 72. So, we split the difference, and our house is set at 69,” said Godfread.

But when the temperatures drop below zero, even the Godfread’s creed won’t do.

“If it’s much higher than that, it does get expensive, or more expensive, to maintain that heat level. But much colder than that, especially with little kids, they get chilly,” said Godfread.

That’s where the state steps in with LIHEAP, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“LIHEAP is an energy program that’s really there to help families afford their heating costs and also to help weatherize their homes,” said LIHEAP director Rachel Iverson Schafer.

Funding is based on family size and type of dwelling to calculate your percentage off. That funding can help you get your house warm, but to keep it warm, there’s another option.

“We can help pay for your heat, but that doesn’t really help if you’re heat is leaking out all your windows and doors. So, the Department of Commerce and our community action agencies will come out and do an assessment on your home to see if it does need insulation or other weatherization services. And then, we can help with those fees and needs,” said Iverson.

So now, you can spend less time stressing for cash and more time enjoying the weather.

To apply to the federally mandated program, call the LIHEAP customer support center listed on the state website or contact your local community options for more assistance.