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Help paying electric, gas and water bills

If you have a shutoff notice, call your utility right away and ask about payment plans and medical or weather protections. Then apply for LIHEAP, which helps pay heating and cooling bills, and ask whether your utility has a monthly discount for lower-income customers.

Help paying your bill: LIHEAP

LIHEAP helps households with lower income pay heating and cooling bills, and can help in an emergency when service is about to be shut off. Each state runs its own program.

Lower bills for good: weatherization

Free home repairs like insulation and sealing leaks lower energy bills for years.

Weatherization Assistance ProgramFree service or coverageFree home energy upgrades, like insulation, sealing leaks and furnace repairs, to lower your energy bills for good.Who qualifies: Homeowners and renters with low income, with priority for seniors, people with disabilities and families with children.

Phone and internet

Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service.

Lifeline phone or internet discountDiscountA monthly discount on one phone or internet service.Who qualifies: People with low income, or who get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or a VA pension.

Find energy help in your state

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

Good to know

  • Most utilities offer payment plans, and many have discount rates for customers with lower income. Ask what's available.
  • Many states don't allow shutoffs during extreme heat or cold, or when someone in the home has a serious medical condition. Tell your utility.
  • Call 2-1-1 for local charities that help with utility bills.
  • For free, confidential help from a person, call 2-1-1.

Rules, limits and deadlines change. Each program page links to the official source for current details. Choose your state to see everything available where you live.