As the temperatures continue to rise, so does the anxiety for some residents who worry about paying for their electricity costs.

But help is on the horizon for locals who may soon have problems paying the added costs of keeping homes cool in the summer.

Organized Community Action Program director Liz Seay said this week that call-in appoints for the agency’s low-income heating/energy assistance program (LIHEAP) will be held Mon., June 20, beginning at 8 a.m.

Seay said she wasn’t sure of the total number of households the program would be able to assist this year, but estimated it to be close to last year’s total.

“We helped over 600 households with the cooling assistance last year,” she said. “I’m sure it will be close to that. They haven’t told us of any cuts.”

Seay said that’s a lot of households to be able to help.

“When you are helping all of Covington County, that’s great,” she said. “With the energy bills being so high and we all know it’s hot in South Alabama. It is so awesome that we get to help so many people.”

Seay said the appointments are by phone only and are on a first-come, first serve basis.

“I will book the appointments until they are all gone,” she said.

Seay said that utility bill must be in the name of the person applying, and they will need total household income and orgiignalSocial Security cards to make application.

Contact OCAP at 334-428-2660. No walk-ins will be taken.