Paying your electric bill can be hard, especially if your income is low or you are going through a tough time. The good news is that there are real programs and organizations that can help you keep your power on or lower your bill.
This guide explains your options in simple words and shows where to apply.
Government Help Programs
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one of the main programs in the U.S. that helps people pay heating and cooling bills.
It can:
- Pay part of your electric bill
- Help during emergencies (like when your power may be shut off)
- Sometimes help fix heating or cooling systems
Who can apply:
- Low-income households
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
- Families with children
How to apply:
- Visit: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap
- Or call your local community action agency
Each state runs its own program, so the rules and amount of help may vary.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
This program helps reduce your energy bills by making your home more energy-efficient.
It may:
- Fix insulation
- Seal air leaks
- Improve heating and cooling systems
Apply here:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/wap/weatherization-assistance-program
This does not pay your bill directly, but it helps lower future bills.
Help From Your Electric Company
Many electric companies offer their own assistance programs.
These may include:
- Payment plans (pay your bill in smaller amounts)
- Budget billing (same amount every month)
- Hardship grants
- Late fee waivers
What to do:
Call your electric company and ask:
- “Do you have energy assistance programs?”
- “Can I get on a payment plan?”
Many people don’t know these programs exist, but they can help a lot.
Nonprofit and Charity Help
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army often helps with utility bills if you qualify.
They may provide:
- One-time payment help
- Emergency assistance
Find help near you:
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities helps with basic needs, including electric bills.
Find local office:
https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/find-help/
United Way (Dial 211)
You can call 211 in most areas of the U.S. to find local help.
They can connect you to:
- Local charities
- Emergency funds
- Energy assistance programs
Or visit:
https://www.211.org
Utility Provider Assistance
Most electric companies offer in-house support programs for customers in need.
Payment Plans: Many providers allow you to set up a deferred payment arrangement or “Budget Billing,” which levels out your monthly payments to avoid the high spikes typical of certain seasons.
Rate Discounts: Low-income households or seniors may qualify for a permanent, percentage-based discount on their monthly bill.
Arrearage Management Programs (AMP): Some companies offer debt forgiveness if you make a series of on-time payments over a specific period.
Medical Baseline Programs: If anyone in your household relies on life-support equipment, you may be protected against service disconnection and receive a higher baseline energy allowance at a lower cost.
Emergency Help (Shut-Off Protection)
If your electricity is about to be shut off:
- Contact your utility company immediately
- Ask for a “medical exemption” if someone in your home has a health issue
- Apply for LIHEAP emergency assistance
- Call 211 for urgent help
Many states have rules that protect you from shut-offs in extreme weather.
Quick Comparison of Options
| Program | Type of Help | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIHEAP | Grants for heating/cooling bills | ≤150% poverty level | State LIHEAP office / Community Action Agency |
| WAP | Home efficiency upgrades | ≤200% poverty level | Local weatherization agency |
| Utility Hardship Plans | Payment plans, discounts | Varies by provider | Contact your utility company |
| United Way 211 | Emergency local aid | Open to all in need | Dial 211 for referral |
| Lifeline | Discounted phone/internet | Low-income households | Apply via Lifeline website |
Simple Ways to Lower Your Bill
Lowering your electric bill often involves a combination of shifting when you use energy and making small, no-cost adjustments to your daily habits. According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for roughly half of the average home’s energy use, making it the most impactful place to start.
Thermostat Settings: Set your thermostat to 68%F in the winter and in 78%F the summer. Raising the temperature by just for eight hours in the summer can reduce cooling costs by 3–5%.
Ceiling Fan Direction: Ensure fans spin counter-clockwise in the summer to create a cooling breeze and clockwise in the winter to push trapped warm air down from the ceiling.
Curtain Strategy: Close blinds and drapes during the day in summer to block heat. In winter, open them during sunny hours to let in natural warmth, then close them at night to insulate against the cold.
Maintenance: Clean or replace air filters every 1–3 months. A clogged filter makes your system work harder and consume more power.
Water Heater Temp: Lower your water heater setting to 120%F . Most units are preset to 140%F, and this
20%F drop can save up to 10% on your bill.
Cold Water Laundry: Wash clothes in cold water; roughly 90% of a washing machine’s energy goes toward heating the water.
Full Loads Only: Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are completely full to maximize the energy used per cycle.
Small Appliances: Use a microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer for small meals instead of a conventional oven, which uses significantly more energy and adds heat to your home.
Vampire Energy: Unplug “energy vampires” like chargers, coffee makers, and gaming consoles when not in use. These devices draw power even when turned off.
LED Lighting: Replace your most-used incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy and last significantly longer.
Seal Leaks: Use inexpensive caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors. This simple DIY task can save up to 20% on annual heating and cooling costs.
Off-Peak Hours: If your provider uses “Time-of-Use” rates, run heavy appliances like the dryer or dishwasher during off-peak times (usually late at night or early morning) when electricity is cheaper.
