Along with paying the rent or mortgage every month, paying the utility bill ranks right up there in importance for most budget-conscious Americans. If your energy bill is due, and you don’t have the money to pay it, what are your options? You shouldn’t have to choose between keeping a roof over your head and keeping you and your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

Federal, State, and Local Government Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It provides two basic kinds of services. 1)Financial assistance for low income families to offset the cost of heating and cooling their living spaces. 2)Weatherization to make homes more energy efficient.

LIHEAP also assists low-income families that are facing disconnection of services or are about to run out of heating fuel or oil. Funds for utility bill assistance are paid directly to the utility company on the applicant’s behalf. Funds can be expedited for those in imminent danger of disconnection, usually within one business day. 

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
This program provides eligible families assistance with utility bills. Preference is given to the elderly and the disabled. 

Firewood Assistance
LIHEAP will help families that depend on firewood, in the form of pellets or seasoned wood, with vouchers, financial assistance, and free wood give outs.

For more information on LIHEAP and HEAP by state, visit Health and Human Services contact listing mapwebpage.

Free Fans and Air Conditioning
This assistance is available during summer months as part of LIHEAP. Charities like the Salvation Armyalso distribute fans and air conditioners to low income families. The elderly, the disabled, families with minor children, and individuals with medical conditions are given preference.

Weatherization Assistance Program
This program provides free weatherization and energy conservation services to increase the energy efficiency of homes owned by low and moderate income families. Services include furnace tune-ups, attic and wall insulation, weatherstripping, and minor home repairs. 

Heating Repair and Replacement Program
This government funded program is administered by local community action agencies. It provides repair and replacement of heating units, furnaces, and appliances as well as upgrades for low to moderate income homeowners. 

Different states call it by different names, but the programs are similar throughout the country and usually work in conjunction with the weatherization program. For more information on the weatherization program by state, visit the Energy Department’s Weatherization webpage.

Heating and Utility Disconnection Regulations
Most states have regulations regarding when utility companies can disconnect services. They may not be allowed to disconnect service when temperatures reach certain levels - both hot and cold.

In some states, families with minor children have some protection against utility disconnection. Individuals with medical conditions may also have protection. For more information on disconnection regulations by state, visit the Health and Human Services State Disconnection Policieswebpage.

Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program
For low-income families and seniors that depend on oil to heat their homes, this program offers free and discounted home heating oil. It also assists those who have suffered loss of income due to medical emergencies and job loss. For more information, visit the Citizens Energy Assistancewebsite.

Lifeline
This program offers discounts on monthly telephone bills to low-income families. In some cases, Lifeline may provide free cell phones. It may even save families money on high speed internet connections. These services may be combined with other utility bill programs. For more information, visit the Federal Communications Commission Lifelinewebpage.

Utility Company Assistance

Balanced Payment Plans
Many utility companies offer customers the option of paying a flat monthly fee for electricity instead of paying increased rates during the warmest and coldest months of the year. For example, if your annual electric bill is $1200, you would pay $100 every month instead of paying more during the summer and winter. Contact your local energy provider to find out if balanced payment plans are offered in your area.

Home Energy Audits
Many utility companies offer this service for free or charge a small fee. A utility company representative will evaluate energy usage and make suggestions for improvements or updates to make the customer’s home more energy efficient.

Some utility companies have programs to improve energy performance for customers who meet certain income criteria.

H2O Help to Others
This program is offered to residents of California and some other states through American Water. The program does not provide financial support but does provide reductions in water bills. The American Water program also provides free audits. 

For more information on the American Water Program by state, visit amwater.com.

Non-profit Assistance

Community Action Agencies
These local agencies administer a number of different programs assisting low and moderate income families, including LIHEAP, HEAP, and HARRP. To find out what programs are available in your local community, visit the Community Action Partnershipwebsite.

Dollar Energy Fund
This program is funded by donations and has been providing utility bill assistance for nearly 30 years. It’s available in a number of states including Virginia, Kentucky, Texas, Connecticut, Tennessee, California, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia. Hundreds of thousands of families have received help with heating and utility expenses. For more information on the Dollar Energy Fundby state, visit their website.

Legal Services Corporation
Legal Services Corporation is an independent non-profit established by the federal government to assist low income, elderly, and disabled Americans with civil legal issues. Services are free and preference is given to seniors and the disabled. Lawyers assist with stopping utility disconnections as part of their services. For more information on legal aid services in your area, visit the LSC website.

Operation Round-up
This is a community service organization offered by many utility companies. Operation Round-up provides cash grants to help with all kinds of expenses including utility bills, heating, rent, food, and medical. Contact your local utility company to see if they participate in Operation Round-up.

Salvation Army Family Emergency Services
The Salvation Army is always a resource for needy families facing financial crises. They assist financially and offer referrals to those who are unable to provide for themselves and their families. In addition to utility bill assistance, the Salvation Army provides clothing, food, shelter, and counseling. For a listing of Salvation Army offices by state visit the Salvation Army USAwebsite.

The National Fuel Funds Network
This is a national, non-profit organization that raises money for charities, advocates for the poor, and offers counseling and assistance. It is comprised of community action agencies, fuel banks, utility companies, and various other agencies. All funds raised go to families who need help paying their heating and electric bills. The network also supports conservation efforts. For more information on the National Fuel Funds Network, visit the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalitionwebsite.

Union Members Discounted Heating Oil
Labor union members may be able to get help through Union Plus. It has a discount program for those who use home heating oil. It can also help provide propane or gas. A free or discounted service contract is provided through HEAT USA. For more information on the discounts offered by Union Plus, visit their website.