Some help is available for Thibeault Energy Customers

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Pre-pay customers of Thibeault Energy are now eligible for interest-free loans.

The decades-old oil company abruptly closed last month, leaving some pre-pay customers without oil.

Many say they haven't gotten their money back either.

Today, Governor LePage announced that 5 credit unions based in the midcoast will give those pre-pay customers 12-month loans of up to $2,000 without interest or fees. The credit unions that are participating are Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union, DownEast Credit Union, Five County Credit Union, Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union, and Midcoast Federal Credit Union. You have to provide proof of loss and the money will go directly to the oil company you choose. You must apply by April 1, 2011.

Roger Sirois, the president of Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union, says the credit unions will work with each customer on a payment plan.

There's additional help available to those in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP. Some LIHEAP customers may be eligible for up to $400 in emergency fuel. If you are a LIHEAP customer of Thibeault Energy, you should contact your local Community Action Agency. Those who live in Cumberland County can contact the People's Regional Opportunity Program at 1-800-698-4959. Residents of Sagadahoc County can contact the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program at 1-800-542-8227.

Also, MaineHousing is reaching out to Thibeault Energy's customers to see if any of them may be eligible for LIHEAP. There are income limits

MaineHousing will review applications LIHEAP made by Thibeault Energy customers on Saturday, February 12 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Curtis Memorial School on Pleasant Street in Brunswick. If you cannot attend, but you think you may be eligible for LIHEAP, you should call your local Community Action Agency.

Thibeault Energy customers also should register any complaints they have with the Attorney General's Office at 626-8854.

 

 

NEWS CENTER

SOURCE: http://www.wcsh6.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=147458&catid=2