Step No. 1 came quickly.

Households during the pandemic would be spared any cutoffs of their heat, electricity or water. In most cases, late fees also disappeared.

But a more complicated, critical Step No. 2 is looming over many families in precarious economic situations: Those utility bills are still mounting and coming due.

Many low-income families can get help with their utility bills from support agencies and through the utility companies themselves. Relief funds are available including through the federal Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). And families that are concerned should be making applications sooner than later.

“The utility bills are racking up, and they’re going to have to pay them at some point, so better that they get their applications in now,” John Rich, executive director for the Mid America Assistance Coalition, told FOX 4 WDAF-TV.

Rich said MAAC has access to some $6 million through LIHEAP to serve Jackson, Clay and Platte counties for families that are paying utility bills and meet certain low-income standards. Application can be made at maacliheap.org/.

Note that the LIHEAP program denies assistance to undocumented residents or non-U.S. citizens.

Last week, Spire announced a service to help its natural gas customers apply for special assistance if their household’s economic condition or small business has been hurt because of the pandemic. Apply for the special fund at spireenergy.com/relief.

Spire also has a donation program teamed with the United Way to help support utility bill relief. Go here to contribute to the fund.

Evergy, formerly Kansas City Power and Light, is offering variable payment extension plans. Learn more at evergy.com/landing/covid-19.