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LINCOLN - Lincoln Electric System (LES) has provided $221,500 in funding to Community Action Partnership (CAP), formerly Lincoln Action Program, to help customers unable to pay their electric bills.

The funding from LES' Energy Assistance Program enables CAP's Rent and Utility Assistance Program provide vouchers to residents in need in 2010.

"These funds are critical to families who are struggling to make ends meet," said Michelle Martinez, CAP family outreach director. "Thanks to the generosity of LES, we are able to significantly increase the number of families who we provide assistance to throughout the year,"

Without the additional resources provided by LES, the program would be able to help about 10 percent of the families who apply for assistance in paying their utility bills, she said. CAP received 1,468 requests for assistance specifically in paying electric bills in 2009. Of those, 1,137 requests were funded with the vouchers provided by LES.

"For the past eight years, LES and its customers have assisted families in need through its Energy Assistance Program," said LES Administrator & CEO Doug Curry. "We value our partnership with Community Action Partnership because not only do our customers receive needed funds, but they also receive energy conservation advice and information to help them with their budgets."

Those seeking assistance must apply to the Rent and Utilities Assistance Program, Martinez said. Each application is reviewed, and applicants are notified by mail whether their request is approved. Families with a past-due bill can apply once every 30 days and receive assistance once every six months. Priority is given to those in crisis and those with children, although single persons and couples without children are considered as well. The program also provides applicants with budgeting assistance and makes referrals to other programs in the agency and throughout the community as needed, she said.

LES established the Energy Assistance Program in 2002 to help defray the cost of energy for low-income residents and to reduce the number of electrical disconnections and reconnections in the community. In the past nine years, the total amount provided by LES is over $1 million.

CAP is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency that helps individuals and families struggling with poverty in Lancaster and Saunders Counties to achieve self reliance. To apply for assistance or to donate to the Rent and Utilities Assistance Program, call 471-4515 or stop by the CAP office at 210 O Street.