Summer energy assistance programs for low-income customers

• Summer energy bills are typically expensive due to hot temperatures and high energy demand. 
• Federal and state-level energy assistance programs can help low-income households pay for electricity bills and make energy-efficient home upgrades. 
• Energy companies in your state may offer local light bill assistance programs or rebates to help reduce electricity costs. 

As temperatures rise in the summer, electricity bills follow suit. Keeping your home cool and comfortable shouldn’t break the bank. Thankfully, many states offer summer energy assistance programs and provide financial aid to cover utility bills and energy-efficient upgrades for low-income households. Energy assistance programs vary by state, with specific regulations for who can qualify. Keep reading to learn more about federal and local programs in the following states:

• Connecticut
• Texas
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania

The federal government funds electricity assistance programs throughout the country. Each state may have individual details and application processes. Here are two key programs available to residents in every state.

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This program helps low-income homes with energy bills, including bill payments, energy crisis assistance, and related home repairs. Eligibility details vary, but you must be a resident in the state you’re applying and need help paying for energy. Participants in other benefit programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), are automatically eligible for LIHEAP.
  
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): This federally funded grant makes low-income homes more energy efficient. It includes upgrades to home energy technology and minor repairs. Eligibility depends on the low-income requirements in your state. You are automatically eligible for WAP if you receive SNAP, TANF, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Find your weatherization administrator using the Department of Energy (DOE) website.

To find specific details for your area, search benefits by state in a web browser and select your location.To find light bill assistance programs, filter the results to the housing and utilities category. Explore other state and local energy bill assistance programs.

• Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): A federally-funded program offering bill payment and energy crisis assistance for low-income households in Connecticut. CEAP is the LIHEAP program in Connecticut and helps with payments through the winter. You can receive assistance between November 1st through April 30th each year.
• Matching Payment Program: Connecticut’s gas and electric utilities offer matching payment programs for eligible customers. When you make scheduled payments, you can get credits to help cover your bills and reduce any overdue balance.
• Operation Fuel: This organization provides financial aid to eligible households to help with heating, cooling, and utility costs, especially during emergencies. Operation Fuel works with local community agencies to support those in need, ensuring they can keep essential services and stay cool in the summer.

• Arrears Management Programs (AMP): Natural gas and electric utility providers in Massachusetts work with you to create a structured payment plan. AMP may forgive some past-due balances if you make on-time payments. Contact your gas or electric provider for eligibility and application details.
  
• Good Neighbor Energy Fund: The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who cannot pay a monthly energy bill due to temporary financial difficulty. This fund is for those not eligible for state or federal assistance. Your household income must be between 60% and 80% of the state’s median income.
  
• Mass Save: Participating utilities and energy providers in Massachusetts partner with local agencies to offer low-income customers ways to save on energy bills. Mass Save offers energy-efficiency services, rebates, incentives, training, and information.
  
• Utility discounts: Many utilities and energy companies provide additional programs and rebates for savings. Contact your local energy supplier to learn about specific details.
  
• Utility shut-off protection: In certain situations, utilities in Massachusetts cannot shut off your power, even if you can’t pay your bill. Contact your utility company to determine if you qualify for shut-off protection.

• The Universal Service Fund (USF): If you have an overdue balance of $60 or more and need help paying your electric bill, the USF Fresh Start program forgives the overdue balance. Applicants must qualify based on the criteria outlined by the program.
  
• Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE): The PAGE program provides relief for gas and electric bills for income-eligible households in New Jersey.
  
• NJ Save Lifeline: A program offering a yearly energy assistance benefit to qualified seniors and those with disabilities in New Jersey.
  Comfort Partners: A free program for income-eligible homeowners and renters in New Jersey to save money on energy bills and improve their home’s safety.

• EmPower+: A program helping low-income households in New York with free energy assessments and improvements to reduce electricity use and costs. Eligible participants can get funding for upgrades, including insulation, heat pumps, and electrical service improvements.

• Dollar Energy Fund Hardship Programs: These programs help households with disconnected utility services in Pennsylvania. Grants are based on need, and applicants must meet certain qualifications to receive assistance. For eligibility criteria, visit the Dollar Energy Fund website.
  
• Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs): These programs help customers maintain electric service and pay past-due balances. CAPs may offer reduced bills based on income or debt-forgiveness credits applied directly to customer accounts. Contact your utility for more information.

• Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): Texas customers may qualify for this program helping low-income households pay electric bills through funding and long-term energy cost management education. The LIHEAP Texas program integrates with CEAP.
  
• Senate Bill 1976: Texas utilities may offer benefits to low-income customers who are already in SNAP or on Medicaid. The name of the program participant must match the name on the electric bill to be eligible. Contact your utility directly to see if it participates.
  
• Provider-specific programs: Texas energy providers, such as Reliant Energy, offer energy-assistance programs to help low-income customers with their bills. Ask your energy company about light bill assistance in Texas.

From federally funded initiatives like LIHEAP and WAP to state-specific programs, there are resources available to help manage energy costs during the hottest months of the year. By exploring these options and understanding eligibility requirements, you can find the support you need to stay cool and save on your summer energy bills.