KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) With winter approaching, Southwestern Community Services (SCS) is urging residents in Cheshire and Sullivan counties to be patient as its Energy Services Department works through a backlog of fuel assistance applications caused by a new software system.

Terra Rogers, who heads the Energy Services Department at SCS, joined Dan Mitchell on WKBK’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell show Thursday to provide updates on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.

“This year we’ve had a bit of a delay because of new software,” Rogers said. “In the long run, it will allow people to apply right on their phones or online, but right now we’re still catching up.”

Rogers said the new system went live later than expected, leaving her small staff several weeks behind. Normally by early November, about 2,100 applications would be completed, but this year the agency has processed only about 900.

The good news, she added, is that the first round of fuel authorization letters—confirming program approval—will begin going out Dec. 1. Those letters mean funds have already been sent to vendors on behalf of qualifying households.

“We’re asking folks not to call to check on their application status,” Rogers said. “We’re a small team working days, nights, and weekends to get through as many as we can. The more time we spend on the phone, the less time we have to process applications.”

SCS typically handles about 5,000 applications each year and expects that number to rise slightly this winter as heating costs continue to climb. Rogers emphasized that income eligibility limits are higher than many people might assume — for example, a family of four earning up to $91,548 per year may qualify.

Fuel assistance is available for a variety of heating types, including oil, propane, kerosene, wood, pellets, electricity, and even coal. Renters with heat included in their rent may also be eligible, with payments made directly to landlords.

Rogers also encouraged residents to consider SCS’s weatherization program, which helps make homes more energy-efficient and can fund repairs for broken heating systems. Applicants can indicate interest in weatherization on their fuel assistance forms.

In addition, qualifying households automatically apply for the Electric Assistance Program, which provides monthly utility discounts ranging from 6 to 86 percent.

Applications can be downloaded at www.scshelps.org or requested by mail. Completed forms may be returned by mail or dropped off at SCS offices in Keene or Claremont.

“Even though we’re behind, people should still apply,” Rogers said. “No one’s going to lose out on their benefit—it just might take a little longer this year.”

Listen to the full interview: