CEFS announces the start of the Energy Assistance Program
•September 9, 2026•
CEFS announces the start of the Energy Assistance Program CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in the counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby recently announced that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026, for older adults (60+ years), individuals with a disability, families with children age 5 years and under, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying November 2, 2026. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.