The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) reminds residents in its 12-county area that applications for utility assistance are still being accepted.The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is distributed through the Missouri Department of Social Services, which then contracts with nonprofit groups such as NECAC to administer the program at the local level. The program assists with paying part of the energy bills of income-qualifying people. Eligible households could receive a minimum of $45 up to a maximum of $450, depending upon the income, household size and type of heating source.People who receive a utility shut-off notice also may qualify for assistance through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) starting Oct. 1. Each energy assistance qualifying household can get up to $800 to help prevent disconnection of their utilities.NECAC has received $1,175,265 in energy assistance funding for the winter season. So far, about two-thirds of it has been distributed. Last year, the agency was awarded $1,258,842, received 9,614 applications for energy assitance and assisted 4,590 households with ECIP. LIHEAP runs through March 31 and ECIP through May 31.People may sign up or request more information by calling or visiting the following NECAC County Service Centers:St. Charles County Service Coordinator Rhonda Orlando, 3400 Meadow Pointe Drive in O’Fallon, 636-272-3477; orWarren County Service Coordinator Casey Burton, 120 E. Main in Warrenton, 636-456-8191.NECAC