Utility Assistance Programs

Programs that pay all or a portion of the gas service expenses of people whose gas has been or is at risk of being shut off including any reconnection fees that may apply. Also included are non-emergency programs like those funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also referred to as LIEAP or HEAP in some states, that provide home energy assistance, generally in the form of a credit, for low-income households that apply. The assistance is usually available once per calendar year (or heating season). Gas service payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

Programs that pay all or a portion of the home heating fuel expenses of people who are unable to purchase the resources to heat their homes without assistance. Also included are non-emergency programs like those funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also referred to as LIEAP or HEAP in some states, that provide home energy assistance for low-income households that apply, usually once per calendar year; and programs that pay for firewood, propane, butane, kerosene, coal or other bulk fuels that are used for heating or cooking purposes in situations where people have no other means of acquiring them. Heating fuel payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

Programs that pay all or a portion of the electric service expenses of people whose electricity has been or is at risk of being shut off including any reconnection fees that may apply. Also included are non-emergency programs like those funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also referred to as LIEAP or HEAP in some states, that provide home energy assistance, generally in the form of a credit, for low-income households that apply. The assistance is usually available once per calendar year (or heating season). Electric service payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

Organizations that are responsible for processing electric service connection orders; installing, maintaining and repairing necessary equipment; activating service; accepting and responding to reports of downed power lines, power blackouts or other problems; reading meters to measure energy usage; and/or billing and collection.

Programs that provide cash grants or loans for people who need to have their electricity, gas, water or telephone service turned on but do not have the assets to pay the required deposits. Utility deposits are not required everywhere.

Programs, generally funded through utility rates, that prohibit utility disconnections during severe weather for households with vulnerable members including people who are ill or elderly or have disabilities or other hardships. In some jurisdictions, low income individuals and families may qualify. Regulations vary from state to state , but generally specify high and/or low temperatures that trigger a disconnection ban (though some jurisdictions in the U.S. require a special order by the Public Utility Commission) and explicit eligibility criteria. In some areas, the regulations apply year-round to people with serious illnesses.

Programs that pay all or a portion of the water service expenses of people whose water has been or is as risk of being shut off including any reconnection fees that may apply. Included are programs that provide assistance with combined water/sewer bills in communities where sewer payments are bundled with payments for water services. Water service payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

Programs that pay all or a portion of sewer service expenses of people who are unable to pay their bills in communities where sewer services are billed separately from water services. Sewer service payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

Programs, generally funded through utility rates, that prohibit utility disconnections during severe weather for households with vulnerable members including people who are ill or elderly or have disabilities or other hardships. In some jurisdictions, low income individuals and families may qualify. Regulations vary from state to state , but generally specify high and/or low temperatures that trigger a disconnection ban (though some jurisdictions in the U.S. require a special order by the Public Utility Commission) and explicit eligibility criteria. In some areas, the regulations apply year-round to people with serious illnesses.

Organizations that are responsible for processing water service connection orders; installing, maintaining and repairing necessary equipment; activating service; accepting and responding to reports of water leaks or other problems; reading meters to measure energy usage; and/or billing and collection. Services include the hook-up and the installation, maintenance and repair of water lines, water meters and other necessary equipment on private property from the point of connection to the street.

Programs that conduct tests of the drinking water that is available to people in their homes or other buildings to detect the presence of hazardous chemicals or other pollutants, and to analyze water composition in terms of softness, odor, color and contaminants (including chemicals such as magnesium sulphate, sodium sulphate and sodium chloride) that, while harmless, affect taste. Tests may be conducted by the authority responsible for the water system or by independent companies. Also available are test kits which can be used in the home for this purpose.

Internet service providers that offer their services at below normal rates for people who meet age, disability, income, need or other requirements.

Telephone companies and wireless service providers that offer their services at below normal rates for people who meet age, disability, income, need or other requirements. Telephone equipment and/or cell phones may also be provided.

Programs that pay for or provide new or reconditioned heating systems. Furnaces are powered by wood, coal, oil, propane, natural gas or electricity and pump heated air throughout a home or other building using a system of ducts. Some systems heat water which circulates through radiators. Included are programs that provide grants or loans for furnace replacement.

Programs that provide consultation services for homeowners or business people who want an analysis of their current energy consumption practices and advice about how to make reductions. Also included are organizations that provide materials for doing a self-audit.

Programs that provide assistance in the form of labor and supplies to help people improve the energy efficiency of their homes and protect them from the elements. The program provides ceiling insulation, attic venting, double glazed windows, weather-stripping, minor housing envelope repairs, low-flow showerheads, evaporative cooler vent covers, water heater blankets, pipe wrap, duct wrap, switch and outlet gaskets, caulking, and other related energy conservation measures. Weatherization programs may have age, income, disability or other eligibility requirements.

Programs that provide cash or tax rebates for homeowners who have made approved home improvements that will enable them to reduce energy consumption. Eligible improvements may include solar energy systems, heating and cooling systems, duct/air sealing, caulking/weather stripping, building insulation, windows and doors, and replacement of old appliances such as water heaters, heat pumps, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers with newer models that are energy efficient.