Energy bill and utility assistance programs in Arkansas.
Low income Arkansas customers can get help for paying utility bills. There are several government assistance programs and resources offered directly by utility providers. There are services including payment plans, abatements, utility disconnection prevention programs, financial aid, free weatherization measures and government grants that can be used by struggling Arkansas households. Some of the programs are offered by utility companies that operate in the state, some are provided by non-profits and charities, and others are offered by government agencies. Find details below.
While most companies and their assistance programs (as well as government resources) are listed below, you can find additional ways to get help with electric bills. Arkansas families can read about disconnection laws and regulations, free energy conservation measures, and other services.
Utility and electric bill assistance offered by Arkansas companies
American Electric Power runs the Neighbor to Neighbor program. Funds are offered that may be able to help qualified low income customers in the region pay their bills. Call 318-862-2954 or 888.216.3523.
Arkansas Energy Network is a regional fuel fund. The non-profit organization focuses on providing information to residents. Clients can learn about churches, charities, and places to go in order to apply for utility assistance. Staff also have information on programs that are offered directly by energy providers, such as payment plans or balanced billing options. Continue reading on Arkansas Energy Network.
Black Hills Energy (formerly Arkansas Western Gas & Source Gas) – The program they run is known as The Hearts Warming Homes assistance program. This particular service provides heating bill assistance to customers who live in Northwest, North Central and Northeast Arkansas. The financial assistance program will operate from November to April of each and every year and assistance and cash grants are based on need and not strict income guidelines.
If you are interested in getting more information on this assistance program (or on conservation measures for saving money), you can call 888-890-5554 or 1-800-563-0012 for the address and phone number of The Salvation Army agency nearest them, or stop by your local Arkansas Salvation Army office. Find additional information on assistance from Arkansas Source. Read more on financial help from Black Hills Energy Source Gas.
CenterPoint Energy administers the Good Neighbor Fuel Fund. It is a charity/donation program, and the Good Neighbor Fuel Fund is partners and is both integrated and coordinated with the federal government LIHEAP program by supplementing LIHEAP dollars after the assistance program has ended or when benefits are insufficient to meet the household's energy and heating bill needs. Call 1-800-992-7552.
CenterPoint Energy offers other financial assistance and low income payments plans to Arkansas customers. Or customer service representatives can refer people to non-profit organizations or government aid such as LIHEAP. More on Arkansas CenterPoint Energy assistance programs.
Liberty Utilities / Empire District Electric Company – This Arkansas based utility company runs the Empire's Action to Support the Elderly (EASE). This particular financial assistance program provides both late fee waivers and assistance for paying security deposits for seniors who are age 60 and older. In addition assistance is also available for disabled and/or low income customers. Call 417-624-0300 or 1-800-206-2300 to learn more or to apply for aid.
Liberty Utilities / Empire District Electric Company also offers its qualified customers the Project Help program. The Project Help program extends a helping hand to needy elderly and senior citizens who are 55 years or older and it can also provide aid for handicapped persons in the service area. The assistance program is administered by the local Red Cross offices which screens applicants and provides relief where the need is greatest. Call 1-800-206-2300 or dial 417-624-0300.
Liberty Utilities / Empire District Electric provides customers in Arkansas with additional resources as well. They range from payment plans to energy conservation measures, including weatherization. The company will work with families in an effort to prevent a disconnection. Continue with Liberty Utilities - Empire District Electric financial assistance programs.
Entergy Arkansas offers an assistance program that can provide qualified low income, elderly, disabled, and other customers with a sales tax exemption on the first 500 kWh of electricity used by the customer each and every month. This financial assistance program is available for those low income customers who have an annual household income of less than $12,000. Dial 1-800-368-3749 or 1-800-ENTERGY to learn more or to apply for help from this program.
Entergy – Free fans are offered by the Beat The Heat program. During May of every year, thousands of fans are distributed to customers living in the Entergy service area. Call 1-800-368-3749.
Entergy – The Power to Care program (which was formerly known as Project Deserve) is funded by Employee, customer and stockholder donations. The program provides assistance one time per calendar year to qualified low income elderly or disabled Entergy customers who reside in Arkansas. For more information on the program, please contact Southern Good Faith Fund, which can be reached at 501-661-0322 ext 31 or dial 1-800-368-3749.
Those are just a few of the resources provided by Entergy or non-profits that partner with them. There are many other options for struggling Arkansas households. Click here for additional information or details on utility and cooling bill assistance. More on Arkansas Entergy assistance programs.
Southwestern Electric Power provides services in parts of Arkansas. The company will offer some customers payments plans. Another option is the Neighbor To Neighbor Program or government funded LIHEAP. Low income customers can benefit from several SWEPCO financial assistance programs. Call 888-216-3523, or learn more on assistance programs from Southwester Electric Power.
Government energy bill assistance for low income households in Arkansas
Government assistance - Low income, unemployed, elderly and working poor families in Arkansas may qualify for the federal government funded LIHEAP program. There are also financial aid programs for the disabled in the state. This can provide grants for paying energy and heating bills, and can help prevent a disconnection. Or receive assistance with saving money on your utility bills from the free weatherization program. More on LIHEAP and weatherization in Arkansas.
Arkansas community action agencies also provide information on, and applications too, a number of state and federal government programs. They also help clients apply for payment plans or other solutions. These poverty fighting organizations work to help struggling households with their basic needs, and this includes keeping electricity, heat, and the lights on. Continue with assistance from community action agencies in Arkansas.
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