Iowa law prohibits utility companies from shutting off gas or electricity for qualified low-income customers between Nov. 1 and April 1 every year, but now that the moratorium has ended, Alliant Energy Assistance Lead Veronica Stober said the company, which serves the city of Marshalltown, still has resources available for those who are struggling financially.

“What we’re doing is we’re recommending that if you’re someone who has a past due balance or maybe you’re struggling with your current bill, get in contact with us. We’ve got options available for them,” she said.

Customers can go online to alliantenergy.com to set up a payment arrangement, or they can work out a short-term extension if a paycheck is pending. Stober also encouraged anyone who may qualify to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) up until April 30, noting that LIHEAP has a crisis payment program to assist customers during hard times.

She said it is fairly common to see customers fall into arrears during the no-shutoff period as they prioritize other expenses but reiterated that communication is crucial, whether by going online or calling 1-800-ALLIANT.

“The last thing we want to do is disconnect anyone. It’s not a good experience for anyone. We would much rather have proactive communication and work with that customer to get them back on track,” Stober said.

Eligibility for LIHEAP in Iowa is based on 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline, and the dollar amounts vary based on how many individuals are in the household. Alliant also administers a charitable contribution program called Hometown Care with donations from company shareholders, customers and employees to provide up to $500 for customers in need of assistance.

“The great thing about our program is those dollars that are donated go back to help customers in that same area that donated. So if you live in Appanoose County and you donate in Appanoose County, the funds are gonna help somebody in Appanoose County,” Stober said.

She also encouraged customers to visit their local community action agency for assistance, which, in Marshalltown, is MICA, and to be proactive as many of the funds are first-come, first-serve.