Gov. Kay Ivey recently awarded an additional $1.29 million in grants to community action agencies across the state to assist low-income families with their power bills as the summer’s dangerously high temperatures leave those without power vulnerable to heat related illnesses.

In late May, Ivey awarded $26 million in similar grants to community action agencies around the state as the Lede previously reported.

Two of these agencies, the Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama Inc. and the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc., cover the majority of the Birmingham metro area and were awarded a combined amount of over $300,000 this month according to a press release from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

“As these record hot summer months continue, many low-income residents may struggle to afford higher electric bills along with other expenses,” Ivey said. “These grants provide additional funding to assist in lowering cooling costs for many of them.”

To qualify for assistance applicants must be low income as per the agency’s guidelines and must bring social security cards for all members of their household, a photo I.D., most recent proof of income or lack thereof, a copy of their bill, and proof of any utility assistance they may currently be receiving according to the agency’s application form.