MANCHESTER - Funds are available to help residents of Hillsborough and Rockingham counties pay their heat and electric bills, according to the Southern New Hampshire Services.

Fuel Assistance is available to both renters and homeowners, and the funds are available to renters whose rent includes heat. Electric Assistance provides a discount to monthly electric bills.

Eligibility for both programs is determined by family size and gross household income.

"The recent cold snap has made access to these programs all the more essential. We urge vulnerable residents to start the paperwork before their bills reach a crisis point," said Louise Bergeron, director of energy programs at Southern New Hampshire Services.

Offices are in Manchester, 647-4470; Nashua, 889-3440; Derry, 965-3029; Salem, 893-9172 and other communities in the two counties. More information is available at www.snhs.org.