The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) began taking applications for summer energy assistance this week.NECAC is a 12-county area not-for-profit social service, community health and public housing Community Action Agency. NECAC contracts with federal, state and local governments, private businesses and other not-for profit organizations to operate and administer self-sufficiency service programs for the low-income, elderly, youth, disabled and disadvantaged population.The agency’s Central Administration Offices are located in Bowling Green, with NECAC Service Centers operated in each county.Households that meet income guidelines and have received a utility shut-off notice are eligible for up to $300 each. The assistance is for electricity customers only.NECAC has been awarded $318,294 in federal energy assistance dollars for this summer, up slightly from $253,242 last year but well below the $498,867 in 2012.NECAC has also received $38,764 in Utilicare state energy assistance dollars for distribution directly to utility companies to pay eligible-household overdue bills.The summer assistance season runs June 2 through Sept. 30, but NECAC encourages eligible applicants to come in as soon as they get a shutoff notice.“While we have more dollars this year, the need is expected to be significant,” said NECAC Deputy Director for Community Service Programs Janice Robinson.“So, we urge people who’ve gotten shutoff notices to apply as soon as they can. Last year, we were out of funding in two months.”Besides the shutoff notice, documentation such as income information and number of people in the household is required for new applicants. People who applied for one-time energy assistance during the winter only have to present the disconnect notice, unless they have moved.More information is available by calling 573-324-6633 or visiting the Warren County office at 120 E. Main in Warrenton or calling 636-456-8191.NECAC