The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a utility assistance program designed to assist low income households in meeting their immediate energy needs and to encourage consumers to control energy costs for years to come through energy education. It provides relief to those low income elderly and/or disabled households most vulnerable to the high cost of energy for home heating and cooling from fluctuations in energy costs by providing financial assistance, paying up to six or eight of the highest bills during the year depending on whether they are considered a vulnerable household. Furthermore, it provides assistance in an energy-related crisis or during severe weather or supply shortages.