Utility Bill Assistance Programs by State and Utility Company
When a utility bill becomes unmanageable, help can come from three different directions: a government energy assistance program, a broader set of state-level resources, or your specific utility company's own hardship programs. Most people don't know all three exist, and in many cases applying to more than one makes sense. This page is organized to show all three options together, by state.
The government side starts with LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — which provides federally funded grant money to help eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid shutoffs, or restore service after a disconnection. Every state administers its own version, and the program name varies: it's called HEAP in New York and Ohio, EAP in Georgia and Indiana, LEAP in Colorado, MEAP in Maryland, WHEAP in Wisconsin, and LIEAP in several others. The state energy assistance links in the directory on this page go directly to each state's program, whatever it's called locally.
The state utility assistance pages cover a wider range of programs beyond LIHEAP — nonprofits, community action agencies, payment plans or options provided directly by utility companies, and other local resources that operate alongside the government programs. If LIHEAP isn't available or you don't qualify, these pages are the next place to look.
The utility company links go directly to programs run by the provider itself — payment arrangements, budget billing, arrearage forgiveness, low-income rate discounts, and temporary credits. These programs exist separately from LIHEAP and state funds, and some households qualify for both.
Find your state in the listings on this page. Each entry shows all three link types where available, so you can review every option in one place. If you need help locating programs for your area, email us with your state, county, and city and we'll try to help point you in the right direction. The email is [email protected],
Other sources of utility assistance
LIHEAP is the primary government source for energy help, but several other programs and resources exist alongside it. Community Action Agencies operate in nearly every county and often administer LIHEAP applications locally — they may also help negotiate payment plans with utility companies or connect households with other local hardship funds. The community action agency directory covers locations by area.
Nonprofits and faith-based organizations provide limited utility bill help in many communities, typically as one-time emergency assistance. Some also distribute firewood or heating fuel during winter months for households that heat with wood or oil — details on free firewood programs are listed separately on this site.
Some utility companies go beyond payment plans and offer arrearage forgiveness programs that can reduce or eliminate past-due balances for qualifying customers. More detail on how those programs work is in the guide to utility bill forgiveness.
For households with medical needs, free or subsidized air conditioners are available in some communities for seniors, people with disabilities, or those with documented health conditions affected by extreme heat. Options for free air conditioners vary by location and funding.
The United Way's 211 service can connect callers to local utility assistance programs that aren't always easy to find through a standard search. Reach them at 211.org or by dialing 2-1-1. The federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse at https://liheapch.acf.gov/snapshots.htm also maintains state-level program contacts and plan details.
List of state and utility company assistance programs
Utility assistance programs are administered at the state as well as local level and often vary by utility provider. States operate their own energy assistance funds, often in partnerships with non-profits. On the other hand, utility companies also operate their own customer support programs that can help people keep their utility service on with some non-profits or government resources also available. You can find how to apply using our guide. Use the listings below to select your state or utility company and review the utility assistance options available where you live.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Community Discussion
In addition to the resources listed above, the NHPB moderated community forum has tips, feedback and other information about utility assistance programs - both locally and nationwide. It is a moderated forum where people may find other helpful information from real people. See the forum thread about utility help.
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