Missouri Gas Energy is reminding us that heating assistance funds are available for its customers during the winter heating season, which starts Friday. Cold weather rule payment plans are also available.

MGE offers assistance throughout the year for elderly, disabled and low-income customers. For more information or to see if you qualify for elderly, disabled and low-income assistance, call the United Way.

You can dial 2-1-1 from any land line phone or from a mobile phone call 816-474-5112 or 800-427-4626 outside of the Kansas City area.

For more information or to see if you qualify for MGE’s budget payment plan, call 816-756-5252 or 800-582-1234.

Beginning November 1, MGE customers will be eligible to apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding. This federal program helps families pay heating bills during the coldest months in Missouri. For more information on the program guidelines or to see if you qualify, call United Way 2-1-1 for a referral to your local community action agency.

“We encourage our customers to apply for funds early this year as federal funding of LIHEAP has been decreasing in recent years while the need only increases,” said Steve Lindsey, president of Laclede Gas Company, which now owns MGE. “These programs help our most vulnerable neighbors – those who are elderly, disabled and families with young children.”

MGE’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors program provides utility assistance year-round as long as funds are available. This program has provided much needed relief to local families for 20 years. MGE customers lend a hand by adding a fixed amount to their MGE bill to help those in need. Last year, more than 1,000 families kept the heat on thanks to Neighbors Helping Neighbors funds including matching funds from MGE. To donate, MGE customers can visit www.MissouriGasEnergy.com to sign up.