Utility and energy bill assistance programs Washington.
Find details on programs that provide utility help in Washington. There are resources offered by each electric, gas and PUD in the state as well as government energy bill assistance programs. The resources listed below will give priority to help the low income, senior citizens, and disabled make it through a difficult period. Below you will learn where and how to get utility bill help in WA, with contact information listed too.
The government provides grant money for paying energy bills and utility companies offer payment plans, discounts, or other forms of financial help. Several charities also offer emergency help to keep the power on. Many energy providers in Washington State also provide discounts to lower-income senior citizens and well as people with a disability. This is also in addition to weatherization services, which will help people save money. Most of the Washington PUDs have some type of assistance programs, whether they offer utility bill relief or forgiveness.
Government assistance programs to pay utility bills in WA
The following government funded programs are offered across Washington to all qualified families, regardless of utility provider. This are operated by county, state or even federal levels.
- Washington state senior, low income, and disabled discounts are available. All of the Public Utility Districts and utility companies provide discounts on utility bills for the most vulnerable. While the exact amount of savings will vary, in general discounts offered will range from 5% to 40% of a customer’s utility bill based on the PUD.
- Energy conservation programs are available from WA utility companies. There are also free windows provided, air conditioner, insulation or roof repairs, as well as home energy audits in WA to help people save money. Or look here for a free window replacement service.
There are also state of WA and federal government funded government benefits. The primary programs are LIHEAP energy bill assistance and weatherization. As part of these, qualified low-income households can get government grants to pay energy bills, in particular heating costs. In addition, free energy conservation services are available for struggling and lower income families. Click here for more information on Washington LIHEAP and weatherization.
Get utility, heating, and light bill help directly from Washington utility providers
Avista Utilities has a few options for struggling customers. These are above and beyond payment plans. Project Share is an emergency financial assistance program that is run by community action agencies in Washington. Grant money and financial aid is available to those in need without regard to their heating source. Contact your local community action agency to apply.
- AVISTA also offers LIRAP. This is run by local community action agencies and is a low income assistance program focused on senior citizens. It will, among other things, provide forgiveness of past due utilities. Another option is the Senior Energy Outreach. This program provides financial assistance and grant for both heating and cooling expenses.
- Avista administers other emergency financial assistance programs as well. Some, such as payment plans, are offered directly by the utility company. Other services, such as weatherization, are run in partnership with local community action agencies and non-profits. Read more on financial assistance for Avista bills.
Benton County PUD – A program known as Low-Income Senior and Disabled Discount can provide a 15 to 20 percent discount to low income customers who need certain poverty levels. Applicants to the program must be 62 years of age for the Senior Low Income discount, or have a disabled household member. There are also payment plans, grant funds and other resources. To apply or get more information, call the Benton Franklin Community Action Committee at 509-545-4042 or utility company at (509) 582-2175.
Cascade Natural Gas – A program known as Winter Help is administered by Washington's Community Action Agencies. It can help pay gas and heating bills during the winter. It will help people keep their home warm during the winter.
- Cascade Natural Gas lower income customers have several other emergency assistance programs offered to them, including disconnection prevention, LIHEAP, and weatherization. The energy company recommends families call for help. More assistance programs from Cascade Natural Gas.
Chelan County PUD – Using government (state and federal) funds, they provide weatherization assistance. There are also variable discounts for senior citizens over the age of 62 as well as disabled.
- For financial help to pay bills, there is a resource called Helping Hands. This is a program that is offered by the Chelan/Douglas Community Action, and it can provide support to qualified families. Call the main number of 509-662-6156, or dial Leavenworth 509-548 -7761, Wenatchee (PUD Headquarters) 509-663-8121, or Chelan 509-682-2581.
City of Port Angeles - Pass the Buck is a donation program that may be able to assist low-income city residents with paying their utility bills. The Olympic Community Action Council runs the program. It is an emergency program that focuses on paying winter fuel costs. Call the Olympic Community Action Council at 360-452-4726.
City of Richland – A program known as Helping Hands can help customers pay energy and utility bills when they are out of options. The goal is to keep the power on. The city will also arrangement forgiveness programs and payment plans in partnership with community action. In addition, Low-Income Rate Discounts are offered for seniors and disabled. In addition, they may be eligible for a variety of utility services at discounted rates. Call (509) 942-7390.
Clallam County PUD runs the Neighborly Assistance Program, which can make funds available to help qualified low-income residential customers pay their monthly electricity bills. Call your local community action agency to apply. As they process applications for this emergency assistance program. Or call (800) 542-7859.
- Clallam County, which can be called at PUD 1-800-542-7859, also offers a Senior Citizen Discount as well as a Disabled Discount. For people who are 62 or older the PUD offers a discount on electric and water bills. The Disabled Discount offers savings to disabled people who meet government poverty guidelines.
Clark County PUD – A fuel assistance program known as Operation Warm Heart may be able to help come customers pay their home heating bills for the elderly, the ill and basically for anyone who is facing a financial hardship from a family crisis or unemployment. It pays for any heating source, whether the applicant uses oil, gas, kerosene, wood, gas, and/or electricity. Call 360-992-3000 or 503-285-9141
- Other options include Guarantee of Service Plan allows qualified customers to pay a maximum monthly amount on their energy bills that is based on their total household income rather than electricity use. Security deposits and late charges are waived as part of this program as well. There are also Rate Credits which will provide senior citizens with a 50% credit on their monthly utility bills.
Columbia Rural Electric Association – A senior discount program is offered for low income seniors with the amount of utility discount varying. In Walla Walla call 1-800-642-1231 or 509-382-2578. In Dayton dial 509-526-4041
Cowlitz County PUD – Two programs are offered. The first is Warm Neighbor Plus, which is an option for Cowlitz PUD customers who have received a disconnection or shut-off notice. Another option is the Warm Neighbor Program, which may be able to assist qualified low-income families with paying their electric bills. Electric customers seeking assistance can contact the Lower Columbia Community Action Council at 360-425-3430 for more information or details on either program.
- Cowlitz County PUD – Two services offered include the Low-income Disabled Discount Rate as well as the Low-income Senior Discount Rate. The programs offer a discount for senior citizens or disabled who meet certain income levels. To apply for either discount or to learn more on the programs and how they work, contact Columbia Community Action Council at 360-425-3430. Another option is Residential Weatherization Conservation, and call (360) 423-2210
Douglas PUD - They partner with the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council to offer customers the Low Income Weatherization Program. Douglas County residents are eligible for help from that as well as forgiveness options and payment plans. There are also payment plans and other relief for struggling residents. Call 509-884-7191 or 1-800-503-7990
Elmhurst Mutual Power & Light - Shine a Light may be able to offer emergency financial assistance and cash grants to qualified, low-income customers. The money is provided by a foundation and the funds are for people struggling to pay their electric bills. The program is administered by the Salvation Army. Dial 253-531-4646.
Ferry County PUD – An assistance program known as Project Share may offer help for heating bills. As another option, Ferry County PUD has The Low-Income Senior Discount program. This may be able to help a senior qualify for a discount on their monthly utility bill for your primary residence. The applicant does need to be 62 or older and also meet income limits. Phone 509-775-3325
Franklin PUD, which can be reached at (509) 547-5591, offers customers Helping Hands. Financial aid is available for customers who need help. Call a community action agency in your area. Senior discounts are offered for people who are at least 62, and discounts are offered for disabled customers as well with the amount provided based on income.
Grant County. PUD – They also offer Share the Light. Dial 509-766-2505. This program will help vulnerable customers keep the lights on. All money that is offered towards utility bills come from community donations.
Grays Harbor PUD also offers money to help pay bills from Project Help. This assistance program was created by customer contributions, and the money can help people pay for heating bills of families in need. This fuel-blind program will pay for all sources of heat - gas, oil, electric, wood, etc. The emergency crisis funds also assist low-income and working poor families with paying the deposit required for new PUD electric service. Coastal Community Action Program administers the program. Dial 360-533-5100 (community action) or 1 (800) 562-7726.
- Grays Harbor PUD, offers a couple other assistance programs to certain customers. The Disabled Discount Program may be able to provide customers with a discount on their utility bills if they have a disability covered by Washington State Laws and a limited income. Another option is the Senior Discount Program, which is for low income senior citizens Or inquire into free weatherization services from the PUD.
Klickitat PUD – A financial emergency program known as Operation Warm Heart can help people pay their energy and utility bills. Applicants of course need to be screened to determine eligibility.
- This companies other programs include a Low Income Elderly Discount, which is offered on a seasonal basis to low income, senior citizens. It runs from April to December and can help people save money on utility and heating bills. In addition, the Low Income Winter Discount can provide discounts to low income customers, as long as they are current on their monthly PUD bills. Call 800-548-8358 or 800-548-8357.
Lewis County PUD - Project Share may be able to help low-income customers who are struggling to pay their electric or energy bill. The PUD contracts with the Community Action Council for administration and distribution of the funds and grants to qualified low-income residential customers. Morton Office: 360-496-6100. Also dial Chehalis Office: 360-748-9261 or 1- 800-562-5612
Mason County PUD – Seniors can receive up to savings on their monthly energy bills. Available for low income seniors. Disabled individuals may also be able to receive other help with paying energy bills. The contacts for these programs are the Community Action Council at 360-426-9726 or dial customer service at (360) 426-8255 for details.
- The company also runs a version of Project Share. This is an energy bill assistance program that is a joint effort of local churches, PUD 3, the Community Action Council (CAC), interested citizens, and charities, Its purpose is to assist struggling customers with paying for their electric bills.
Modern Electric Water Company – The Project Share is a community program funded by customer donations that provides emergency home heating bill relief and assistance for paying the bills for local families. By granting a one-time financial support or grant to customers, the Project Share assistance program helps those in trouble long enough to get them back on their feet. Call 509-928-4540
Northwest Natural Gas administers several programs for low income customers. Families in Washington can apply for payment plans, budget billing, or federal government assistance such as LIHEAP. One option, the level payment plan, can help customers pay off a past due balance on their account. More Northwest Natural Gas assistance programs.
Okanogan County PUD – Local community action agencies administers Project Help, which is an assistance program to help to individuals who are unable to pay their electric utility bills and cannot obtain help elsewhere, including from such government programs as LIHEAP. Project Help also provides funds to help secure utility deposits and payments for them. Call Tonasket 509-486-2131; Okanogan 509-422-3310; Oroville 509-476-2928; Brewster 509-689-2502.
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative – There are two programs available: Energy Assist, which provides a monthly bill credit for co-op members who have already qualified for a number of low-income programs (free/reduced lunch, SSDI, LIHEAP, etc.).
- The other program available is Project PA. This is an emergency grant of about $150 available one time each year to help co-op members in need to pay their winter heating bills with a priority for seniors and people with disabilities. Learn more by calling 360-376-3500.
Pacific County PUD - Low Income Senior and Disabled Discount is available to either or seniors who are aged 62 and over and also is available for disabled customers who fall within the federal poverty guidelines. Both may be able to get a 10 to 50% discount. Dial the main office at 360-642-3191
- Pacific County PUD has other help for struggling people. There is funding for those that need can get help with energy and electric bills from Warm Heart. This assistance program may be able to help customers who cannot get funds elsewhere. The utility assistance program is administered by The Ministerial Association in the north county area, and by FISH in the south county.
Pacific Power – Administers a Low-Income Bill Assistance Program / LIBA. This is a tiered discount that is based on income and the program is available during the heating months of November through April. Contact your local community action agency to learn more or to apply for help.
- Pacific Power also offers grant money from Project HELP. This is a financial assistance program. If you live in these Washington towns dial Walla Walla Salvation Army at 509-529-9470, Yakima residents dial 509-453-3139 or Sunnyside/Toppenish, 509-865-4151.
- The company also partners with local non-profit and charity agencies to provide free weatherization services to low to moderate income-qualifying homeowners and renters. It is for people living in single-family homes, mobile home or apartments. A wide variety of measures can be installed, including compact fluorescent light bulbs, insulation, energy-efficiency showerheads, and much more.
- Pacific Power resources referenced above are just some of the services offered. Additional financial assistance, payment plans, and discounts are available in an emergency. Find more Pacific Power assistance programs.
Pend Oreille Public Utility District offers emergency help. Individuals or families who have fallen on difficult times due to medical emergencies, unemployment, reduction in income or other reasons may be able to get help from Neighbors in Need. Dial 509-447-3137.
Peninsula Light Company offers payment help. Project Help may be able to provide financial assistance for low-income families who live on the Gig Harbor and Key peninsula area of Washington. It is a seasonal program, and Project Help is available to low-income families from November through April to help with high winter heating bills. Key Peninsula Community Services administers the program and distributes money to those who need help. Call (253) 857-5950
- Peninsula Light Company also runs the Senior and Disabled Discount program, which provides discounts of up to 25% to low income seniors or disabled customers.
Puget Sound – A financial assistance program, including one known as HELP, will forgive a portion, or all your bills. The company may be able to provide additional utility bill-payment assistance (beyond the federal LIHEAP program) to qualified PSE customers. Eligible low income and other qualified customers can receive up to $1,000 per year in credits to lower the amount of their electricity or natural-gas bills. Dial 1 (888) 225-5773 to learn more or to apply.
- The PSE low income energy conservation programs run may include providing homeowners with heating and water heating equipment repairs, installing insulation, draft sealing, repairs to home, and more
- The PSE Warm Home Fund is emergency utility-bill assistance. Qualified low-income families who face a possible loss of their electric or natural gas service may receive financial assistance or cash grants. Contact your local the Salvation Army to apply.
Seattle City Light – A way to get help if faced with a disconnection is Project SHARE. This is an assistance program for customers who have received an urgent utility disconnection notice and if the customer has already explored all options and have no other access to financial assistance programs. Funded donations, it will pay a fixed dollar on your electric bill. Customers must be referred by Seattle City Light Customer Service in order to be able to apply for help.
- Other options include Emergency Low Income Assistance. At most once per year, Seattle City Light customers may receive savings on their energy bills of up to 50% off the bill. This aid is provided if the customer has received a final termination notice. Payment arrangements to cover any outstanding balance on utility and energy bills are required.
- The other program offered is a Discounted Rates on bills for Low-Income, seniors and Disabled. Qualifying customers can save 50% savings on their water, electric, sewer and garbage bills. Both programs are for low income and have conditions.
- Qualified low income households can explore several other assistance programs ranging from payment plans to immediate financial aid. Each program will have a formal application process and conditions that need to be met. Funds or payment plans may be offered for all types of utilities, including heating, electric bills, and water expenses too. More on assistance from Seattle City Light. Or for more information call 206-684-3000.
Seattle Office of Housing is for city residents. HomeWise Weatherization will perform an energy analysis of your home. Then energy saving improvements can be made. It can include, but is not limited to, insulation, venting, weatherstripping, and more, will be installed. Call 206-684-0244 for more information or to apply.
Snohomish County PUD – A service for these companies’ customers is called Community Energy Fund. The program is an energy bill assistance program that is administered by the local Chapter of the St. Vincent in partnership with Snohomish County PUD. Community Energy Fund gives electric bill grants to low-income families to help them pay their monthly bills and avoid a disconnection. Additional resources may be provided as well. Click here Snohomish County PUD.
- Also a couple different options are part of the Senior and Low-Income Discounts. The program basically provides year-round savings and discounts of 20 percent, 40 percent, or 60 percent off electric bills, depending on income level. You can dial 425-783-1000 or 1-877-783-1000, or stop by a community action agency or senior center in your area.
Tacoma Power – The Residential weatherization program can provide financial assistance and grants to weatherize the homes of low income customers. This is above and beyond federal weatherization. Also qualified, low-income customers who are, 62 years or older or disabled can receive additional savings. Receive up to a 25% discount from Tacoma Water, Tacoma Power, and Sewer Services.
- In addition to the resources above, the company provides low income customers with other programs, payment plans and financial assistance programs. Not only is funding available for electric bills, but the company will also assist Tacoma Washington families with paying their water bills. Dial Metropolitan Development Council at 253-572-5557 (City of Tacoma Residents). Or learn more on Tacoma Public Utilities assistance programs.
If you need other options or if you are interested in what other people from across the state are saying, or doing, try the forum. We have a discussion topic on Washington state utility assistance programs. There people share their hardship, look for resources and help others in need.
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