Get Help Paying Utility and Electric Bills in Georgia
Georgia's utility assistance landscape is more layered than most states — and understanding how it's structured, as the guide below will help you do, is the fastest way to get help. For electricity, most Georgians are served by Georgia Power, with rural areas covered by one of the state's electric membership cooperatives (EMCs). Natural gas is different: Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) owns and maintains the gas distribution system, but AGL does not bill customers directly. Instead, Georgians choose from roughly 16 competing retail natural gas marketers — Gas South, SCANA Energy, Georgia Natural Gas, True Natural Gas, Constellation, and others — who handle billing and supply. Assistance programs vary by which marketer you're with, so knowing your provider is the first step.
That layered structure is actually an advantage when you need help. State and federal programs like EAP (Georgia's LIHEAP program) and the nonprofit HEAT fund work across all providers and fuel types. Project SHARE, administered by the Salvation Army, covers emergency shutoff situations statewide. On top of that, Georgia Power has its own income discount and efficiency programs, Atlanta Gas Light's senior discount applies through any marketer, and every natural gas marketer is required to give low-income customers access to assistance options — including SCANA Energy's Regulated Division, which provides a last-resort service option for customers who can't get coverage elsewhere. The programs below are organized so you can find what applies to your provider quickly.
If you're facing a shutoff notice, don't wait. Contact your utility provider first — all of them have payment arrangement options and will walk you through what's available. Then call 211, which is free, available 24/7, and will connect you to local agencies distributing EAP, HEAT, and other funds in your county.
Statewide government and nonprofit programs
EAP — Energy Assistance Program (Georgia's LIHEAP)
EAP is Georgia's version of the federal LIHEAP program and is the state's largest source of utility grant money. It provides grants to help low-income households pay heating and cooling bills and can also cover free AC units or furnace repairs depending on the situation. Priority goes to seniors, people with disabilities, and households with young children, but the program is open to all income-qualified Georgians. Administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) through local Community Action Agencies. Call 1-877-423-4746 or visit your local Community Action Agency to apply - see the NHPB Georgia community action agency list. A detailed breakdown of the program and eligibility can be found on the Georgia LIHEAP and EAP energy assistance page.
HEAT — Heating Energy Assistance Team
HEAT is Georgia's oldest statewide fuel fund, active since 1983 and still one of the most significant sources of emergency energy help in the state. It is funded through contributions from natural gas marketers, utility companies, the Georgia Public Service Commission, corporations, and private donors. HEAT helps households facing shutoff or needing service restored, regardless of fuel type — natural gas, electricity, propane, oil, wood, or coal. Funds are distributed through community action agencies across all 159 counties. HEAT programs can provide up to $350 toward past-due heating bills. Call 678-406-0212 or https://heatga.org/ to find your local agency and check eligibility. For additional explanation, see the NHPB guide to HEAT in Georgia.
Project SHARE
Project SHARE was created by Georgia Power and The Salvation Army in 1985 and has grown into one of the most successful privately funded utility assistance programs in the country, providing more than $2 million in aid annually to over 40,000 Georgians. It provides emergency financial assistance to individuals and families facing a temporary crisis — job loss, medical emergency, unexpected hardship — that threatens utility service, housing, or basic stability. Applications are made through the Salvation Army in your county of residence. To find your local SHARE partner agency, or to donate to the fund, call 1-800-257-4273 or visit https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/metro-atlanta/
Free Weatherization
Income-qualified households can receive free energy efficiency improvements — insulation, weather-stripping, window sealing, HVAC tune-ups, and more — through Georgia's federally funded weatherization program. Eligibility is generally at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Contact your local Community Action Agency to apply. Georgia has 20 community action agencies serving all 159 counties.
211 — Georgia's Statewide Resource Hotline
Dial 211 free, 24 hours a day. 211 connects you to local agencies distributing EAP, HEAT, Project SHARE, food assistance, housing help, and other programs in your specific county. It's the fastest way to find out what funds are currently open and accepting applicants in your area.
Georgia Power (Electric)
Georgia Power is the state's primary electric utility, serving the majority of Georgia residents outside of rural EMC territory. Struggling customers should call early — representatives will connect you with government programs, internal discounts, and payment options. Reach customer service at 1-888-660-5890 or visit https://www.georgiapower.com/residential/assistance.html
- Income-Qualified Discount: Georgia Power customers with a combined household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for a monthly bill discount of up to $33.50. As of May 2024, the program was expanded to include customers receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, regardless of whether they meet the income threshold separately. Seniors 65 and older who meet the income requirement also qualify.
- EASE — Energy Assistance for Savings and Efficiency: Income-qualified customers at or below 300% of the federal poverty level may receive free home energy efficiency improvements — typically attic insulation and smart thermostats — installed at no cost, up to a value of $5,000 per household. Call 1-877-310-5607 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–7 PM ET).
- HopeWorks: Income-qualified Georgia Power customers over 60 years of age who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for free home energy efficiency improvements specifically tailored to seniors. Contact Georgia Power or visit https://www.hopeworksga.org/ for details.
- Payment Plans and Extensions: Georgia Power offers deferred payment arrangements for customers facing temporary hardship. Call 1-888-660-5890 to discuss options before a disconnect notice is issued — acting early keeps more options available.
- Project SHARE: Georgia Power partners with the Salvation Army to fund Project SHARE (see statewide section above). Customers can also donate to the fund through their monthly bill. Call 1-800-257-4273 to apply for assistance.
Natural Gas Programs - Understanding Georgia's Market
Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) owns and maintains the natural gas distribution infrastructure throughout most of Georgia but does not sell gas directly to most residential customers. Customers choose a retail natural gas marketer for billing and supply. AGL is responsible for pipeline safety, meter reading, and service connections — if you have a gas emergency or smell gas, call AGL at 1-877-427-4321 (24 hours). If you have questions about your bill or financial assistance, contact your marketer directly.
AGL Senior Citizen Base Charge Discount
Senior citizens who are 65 years of age or older with a total annual combined household income of approximately $25,760 or less may be eligible for a $14.00 monthly discount on their Atlanta Gas Light base charge. Natural gas service must be in the customer's name. This discount is applied through your natural gas marketer — contact your marketer directly to apply. Income thresholds are reviewed periodically; verify the current limit with your provider.
Home and Heartwarming Program (AGL / Georgia PSC)
Through the Home and Heartwarming Project, Atlanta Gas Light and the Georgia Public Service Commission offer weatherization services and natural gas equipment repair or replacement for qualified senior and low-income households. Contact your natural gas marketer to access this program or call AGL at 1-800-427-5463.
Natural Gas Marketers - programs by provider
Atlanta Gas Light
AGL is the infrastructure provider, not the billing provider for most customers, but AGL does fund and support several assistance programs that flow through marketers and nonprofits. AGL often contributes over $1 million annually in supplemental low-income assistance distributed through partners including HEAT, Project SHARE, United Way, and St. Vincent de Paul. For infrastructure-related questions or to find out which programs apply to your account, call 1-800-427-5463 or visit https://www.atlantagaslight.com/. We have a more detailed guide on the service too - see the Atlanta Gas Light assistance program page.
SCANA Energy
SCANA Energy is one of Georgia's largest natural gas marketers, serving more than 400,000 customers statewide. The company offers senior citizen discounts for eligible customers 65 and older and provides payment arrangements for customers facing hardship. Call 1-877-467-2262 for customer service and program eligibility. SCANA's low-income and payment assistance options are covered on their dedicated page.
- SCANA Energy Regulated Division: Georgia's deregulated market is structured so that any customer can receive natural gas service regardless of credit history. SCANA Energy Regulated Division provides natural gas service specifically to low-income customers and individuals whose credit histories prevent them from qualifying through other marketers. Rates are regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission. Customers receive reduced security deposits, special rates, and lower customer service fees. To apply or learn more, contact your local Community Action Agency or call SCANA Energy Regulated at 1-866-245-7742.
Gas South
Gas South is Georgia's largest retail natural gas provider by volume, serving more than 250,000 residential customers in the state. The company offers payment plans for customers who need more time to pay a past-due balance, accessible directly through the online account portal or by calling 1-877-332-5442. Gas South also has a Low-Income Rate Assistance option, which can reduce customer service charges and provide access to the AGL base charge discount for eligible seniors. Customers who cannot qualify for service due to credit challenges can ask about the Pay-As-You-Go program. For assistance specifically around payment arrangements, call 1-877-472-4932 or see https://www.gassouth.com/pay-bill/energy-assistance-programs. For general customer service, call 1-877-332-5442 (Monday–Friday 8 AM–7 PM, Saturday 8 AM–5 PM). Details on all Gas South options are on the Gas South assistance programs page.
Georgia Natural Gas (GNG)
Georgia Natural Gas is among the state's most recognized gas marketers and has been a consistent partner with HEAT, donating $250,000 to the program for the 2025–2026 winter heating season. GNG offers a senior discount ($14.00/month off the base charge) for customers 65 and older with combined household income of $25,760 or less, a monthly discount that must be applied for annually. GNG provides payment arrangements and refers customers to HEAT and Project SHARE for emergency assistance. See the website at https://news.gng.com/energy-assistance-programs-natural-gas-customers or call 1-877-850-6200 (toll-free) or 770-850-6200 (metro Atlanta), Monday–Friday 7 AM–8 PM, Saturday 8 AM–5 PM. See the Georgia Natural Gas customer assistance page for a full list of options.
Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy serves natural gas customers in parts of Georgia and contributes to its Sharing the Warmth program annually — $2 million was distributed nationally in 2025, with funds flowing through local energy assistance agencies. Assistance is first-come, first-served and distributed through local agencies; customers can find the nearest participating agency by calling 211 or visiting https://www.atmosenergy.com/bill-assistance/. Atmos also offers installment plans at no extra charge or fee for customers who need to spread out a past-due balance. Call 888-286-6700 (Monday–Friday 7 AM–6 PM CT) to set up a plan or ask about hardship options.
True Natural Gas
True Natural Gas (formerly Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas) is a Georgia natural gas marketer operating in the Atlanta Gas Light service territory, primarily in Coweta, Fayette, and surrounding counties. It is a subsidiary of Coweta-Fayette EMC and shares an ownership structure with the cooperative, though they operate as separate entities. True Natural Gas customers have access to LIHEAP/EAP, HEAT, and the AGL senior base charge discount. Contact True Natural Gas customer service for eligibility help. Coweta-Fayette EMC's main number is 770-502-0226. The co-op's Operation Round Up program, overseen by the Coweta-Fayette EMC Trust Board, also funds community needs including individual hardship cases in the co-op service area.
Electric Cooperatives
Carroll Electric Membership Corporation (Carroll EMC)
Carroll EMC has served western Georgia — including Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Troup, and Floyd counties — since 1936. Customers 62 years of age and older may qualify for a senior citizen monthly discount. The cooperative also offers payment extension options for members experiencing hardship. For assistance or program details, call 770-832-3552 (Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM) or visit https://carrollemc.com/
Habersham Electric Membership Corporation (Habersham EMC)
Habersham EMC serves Habersham, White, Rabun, Stephens, Lumpkin, and Hall counties in northeast Georgia. Customers needing financial assistance should contact a local community action agency to apply for EAP/LIHEAP or other state programs. Habersham EMC offers budget billing and payment arrangements; call to discuss options before a disconnect notice arrives. The co-op also administers Operation Round Up and Operation Round Up Plus — a voluntary customer contribution program overseen by an independent community board. Funds are used for individual and community needs, particularly when other assistance isn't available. Call 706-754-2114 or 800-640-6812, or visit https://www.habershamemc.com/.
Snapping Shoals EMC
Snapping Shoals EMC serves Newton, Rockdale, Morgan, and parts of surrounding counties in central Georgia, with offices in Covington. Customers facing hardship should call to discuss payment arrangements before service is interrupted. The co-op's Operation Round Up program provides emergency assistance grants for members facing serious short-term or long-term hardships — decisions are made by an 11-member independent trust board that meets every other month. To inquire about Operation Round Up eligibility or to set up a payment plan, call 770-786-3484 or visit https://ssemc.com/.
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