MONTGOMERY — Governor Robert Bentley has awarded $7.1 million in grants to assist low-income families in Alabama with energy bills.

The grants will be issued to 22 community service agencies throughout the state and awarded to low-income families based on need. Funds will be used to help families heat their houses this winter.

Residents of Dallas and Perry counties are eligible for the Elmore-Autauga Community Action Committee grants, which total $325,358.

The grant is being made available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and is aimed at helping eligible low-income households afford the energy required to heat their houses. Applications for assistance are being taken at local community service agencies. Eligibility requirements are based on income, family size, and available resources.

Bentley awarded the grants from funds provided to the state by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants.