High energy bills can throw your budget off track faster than you can say “kilowatt hour.” Whether you’re dealing with a seasonal spike, job loss, or unexpected expenses, plenty of programs exist to help keep your lights on and heat running. Here’s how to find relief without drowning in paperwork.

Federal Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps keep families safe and healthy by providing federally funded assistance to reduce costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. This is the largest source of energy assistance in the country.

Eligibility is based on your income – generally around 150-200% of federal poverty level, though each state sets its own requirements. You can apply once per program year (typically October through September), and benefits go directly to your utility company.

Find your local LIHEAP office to check eligibility and apply. Some areas offer online applications, while others require in-person visits.

Emergency Assistance

If you’ve received a disconnect notice or are out of fuel, LIHEAP often provides emergency assistance year-round. Emergency benefits typically offer higher amounts than regular assistance and can help restore service if it’s already been disconnected.

State and Local Programs

Many states offer additional programs beyond federal LIHEAP. Colorado’s Utility Bill Help program can limit your home natural gas and electric bills to a maximum of 6% of your annual income for qualifying customers. Wisconsin’s Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provided nearly $127 million to about 190,000 households last fiscal year.

Community Action Agencies operate in most counties nationwide and serve as local access points for energy assistance. They often administer multiple programs and can help you navigate available options. These agencies frequently have emergency funds for immediate assistance when you can’t wait for federal programs.

Utility Company Programs

Customer Assistance Programs

Most major utilities offer their own assistance programs for low-income customers. These programs often cap your bill at a percentage of your income – Pennsylvania utilities provide Customer Assistance Programs that can lower monthly bills and reduce past-due amounts.

California’s CARE program offers 20% discounts on monthly bills for qualifying customers, while the FERA program provides 18% discounts for slightly higher-income households.

Payment Plans and Budget Billing

Even if you don’t qualify for income-based assistance, utilities must offer payment plans. Budget billing spreads your annual costs over 12 equal monthly payments, eliminating seasonal spikes. Most utilities offer this free service based on your average annual usage.

If you’re behind on bills, utilities typically offer deferred payment agreements spreading past-due amounts over 6-24 months. The first payment plan usually requires no down payment.

Hardship Funds

Many utilities maintain hardship funds that provide grants (not loans) to help customers who don’t qualify for other programs. These funds help people who “fall through the cracks” and can provide one-time payments toward past-due bills.

Winter Protection and Disconnect Rules

Many states prohibit utility disconnections during winter months. Wisconsin bans residential gas and electric disconnections from November 1 to April 15, while Illinois prohibits shutoffs from December 1 to March 31. Connecticut protects eligible “hardship cases” from heat source shutoffs between November 1 and May 1.

These protections typically apply to customers receiving energy assistance or those who qualify but are on waiting lists.

If someone in your household has a serious medical condition requiring electricity or gas service, you may qualify for medical certificate protection. Pennsylvania offers renewable 30-day protection periods with proper medical documentation.

How to Apply

Start with Your Utility

Contact your utility company first – they can tell you about their specific programs and often help with applications for other assistance. Many utilities have dedicated customer assistance representatives who understand all available programs.

Call 211 for a comprehensive list of assistance programs in your area. This free service connects you with local agencies and resources.

Documentation You’ll Need

Most programs require similar paperwork: recent utility bills, proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security statements), Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, and proof of residence.

Timing Matters

Apply early in the heating season (October-November) when possible, as many programs operate on first-come, first-served basis. Don’t wait until you receive a disconnect notice – assistance takes time to process.

If Your Service Gets Disconnected

Contact your utility immediately to discuss restoration options. Many states require utilities to restore service within 24 hours of payment or payment agreement. LIHEAP emergency assistance can often help restore disconnected service, and local emergency assistance programs may provide same-day help.

Key Takeaways

• Apply for LIHEAP as early as possible – it’s the largest source of energy assistance and opens doors to other programs
• Contact your utility company about payment plans and budget billing options available to all customers
• Take advantage of winter disconnect protections if available in your state
• Use 211 to find comprehensive local assistance resources
• Keep documentation ready and apply before you’re in crisis – prevention is easier than restoration