HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) — With electric heat costs fluctuating across the country, many have been looking for ways to combat them.

Some Tri-State Residents Say They Had to Go Completely Without electric the power to cut costs.

“My January electric bill was over $300, and the month of February, since I’ve been burning wood and everything, my electric bill has dropped to $116,” says West Virginia resident Billy Black.

Kentucky resident Corey Smith says he saved money by using both electric and gas.

And the manager of Kenny Queen Hardware in Huntington says he’s noticed customers looking for DIY products to use to cut costs.

“They get the window seals, the door seals, they get the plastic for the windows, the door sweeps – just to keep drafts out and keep it warmer inside,” says Billy Pierce, the manager of Kenny Queen Hardware.

If you don’t want to spend the money, there are other ways to reduce drafts in your home, such as placing blankets and towels around the base of your windows and doors.

There are also a few other options to help tri-state residents save money.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources announced Monday that the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) has been extended to Friday, March 18, 2022.

West Virginians who meet the eligibility requirements can apply online at www.wvpath.org or at local DHHR offices, community action agencies, or senior centers operated by a regional agency on the aging.

The WV DHHR advises that completed applications should be delivered or mailed to the DHHR office located in the county where the applicant resides. To find a list of local offices, visit the DHHR website or call 304-352-4431. WV DHHR notes that forwarding the request to any other office or utility company may delay DHHR’s receipt of the request and ultimately prohibit processing of the request.

LIEAP’s parent program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also offers programs in Ohio and Kentucky to help residents who need help paying their heating bills. . The US Department of Health and Human Resources has contact information for LIHEAP programs in each state on its website. Users can click on their state and contact information will appear below the map.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has more information about program requirements in the State of Bluegrass online as well as a link to a Spanish version of information from the US DHHS.

The Ohio Department of Development also has more information on how to apply and who is eligible for its LIHEAP, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), online.

The Salvation Army also has programs through its local services that can help with utilities and rent. The “Find help near you” button on the website can direct users to a search directory to learn more about support options available in their area.