Puget Sound Energy reports that it has more than $3 million in energy assistance funds, available to low-income customers who need help paying their bills.

The Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP) provides qualified customers with additional bill payment assistance beyond that offered by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program is administered by local agencies in partnership with PSE.

Customers who might be eligible should apply now.

Assistance is provided on a year-round basis, and is intended to lessen the impact of energy bills when costs are highest.

The program was used by nearly 34,000 families over the last 10 months said Suzanne Sasville, who manages PSE’s low income energy assistance program. “We know more people could use the help…. We have a team ready to help,” she added.

Depending on income and household size, a qualified recipient can receive up to $1,000 from the program. The amount of aid depends on household size, income and energy usage. The program is open to residential customers with household earnings up to 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline. For a family of four, the net income cap in many western Washington counties is $2,981 per month.

For information, call (866) 223-5425 or visit www.pse.com for a list of participating agencies.