Montana's Indian tribes will get $437,000 of the $2.5 million, while the remaining $2.063 million will go to the state-run Low Income Energy Assistance Program or LIEAP.
The state anticipates a record number of requests from Montanans because of drastic increases in natural gas rates this winter.
Nolan said the potential 23,000 households applying for the program were set to receive an average, one-time payment of $298 for the entire winter. Schweitzer's action Tuesday will boost that average to $388 per family.
The federal government provides funding for Montana's Low Income Assistance Program in two different categories: a basic component and an emergency component. The state has received its basic component, but not the $2.5 million emergency portion.
“Many in our state are facing a crisis as our Montana winter gets colder,” Schweitzer said. “We understand the need to take care of our Montana families, and I am committed to helping folks stay warm in their homes this winter.”
Last week, Congress rejected proposals to raise the budget for the home heating program by up to $2 billion, although some senators said they intend to push for increased funding after the holiday recess.
“The problem comes in with the 40 percent increase in utility bills,” Nolan said. “These energy bills are tearing people apart, with the cold weather we've had.”
Natural gas bills for NorthWestern Energy customers are 40 percent higher this winter than they were last year.
Schweitzer said applications for the Montana home heating assistance program already are running 10 percent ahead of last year and up to 20 percent higher on some Indian reservations.
“Many Montanans, due to lack of financial resources, will be facing crucial choices between paying their utility bills and paying for needed health care, including prescription drugs, paying to put food on their tables and paying for other basic life necessities,” Schweitzer said in Tuesday's order.
His executive order said that none of the $2.5 million shall be used for administrative costs, ensuring that all of the money will go for home heating help. The order also said if the federal funds come in at more than the $14.351 million that Montana anticipates, the general funds will be returned to the state treasury on a one-to-one ratio.
Montanans - both homeowners and renters - may apply for energy assistance for the entire winter through April 2006 if they meet certain eligibility requirements.
To qualify, applicants cannot make more than 150 percent of the federal poverty level. That's $14,355 for a single person or $29,025 for a family of four.
To find out where to apply, they may contact the Montana citizens advocate, toll-free, at 1-800-332-2272 or visit the energy assistance eligibility office at local Human Resource Development Council offices.
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