PIKE COUNTY, Mo. —  A new round of utility assistance is on its way to 12 area counties in Missouri.

NECAC will begin the summer portion of the Energy Crisis Intervention Program on June 1st.

The program pays overdue electricity bills of up to 600 dollars. Counties covered are Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, St. Charles, Shelby and Warren.

To qualify, applicants must be income-eligible, have received a utility shut-off notice and meet other criteria.

Applications are available online at www.necac.org, visiting a NECAC Service Center or by calling 573-324-0120.