Utility bill assistance near you will help struggling households find programs that will help them keep their lights, electric or heat on or provide more time to pay a bill. Local programs are usually provided by a combination of course ranging from utility companies themselves to nonprofits or the government, all of which are listed below. The programs that help people pay utilities are available to struggling families or individuals in all states.

This page is a directory that will help people find utility assistance by state or by utility provider. These programs are designed to prevent shutoffs, address temporary financial hardships, and help customers keep their service active. A major focus is on helping the vulnerable keep their power on (including seniors, families with young kids or people with a medical condition), but anyone can apply. Some programs provide one-time emergency financial help, while others offer longer-term assistance through monthly credits, reduced rates, or extended payment arrangements. Select your state or utility company below to find utility assistance programs available in your area.

Links to national utility assistance programs with a local presence
List of state and utility company assistance programs

Also, if you need help in locating other local utility bill assistance programs for your area, please e-mail us. Be sure to include your "general" location (state/county/city). As there may be other options as well in some areas, including near you, for paying utilities. The email [email protected].

Links to national utility assistance programs with a local presence

Some of the programs that help pay utility bills are operated by national and/or local non-profits or charity organizations, with some supported by or using federal funding as well. For these resources, the national non-profit or faith based organizations may provide money to qualified people to help them pay their electric or gas bills. Note these financial assistance programs tend to be more limited so therefore availability and eligibility vary by city, county and state.

One of the primary sources of government funded emergency utility help, that is offered locally, is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, often referred to as LIHEAP. This federally funded program provides grant money to help eligible households pay heating or cooling bills, prevent disconnections as part of Crisis LIHEAP, or even restore utility service after a shutoff. Applications are typically handled by local community action agencies or county social services offices, and program names and rules vary by state with more details listed here about LIHEAP benefits by state.
Many nonprofit organizations and charities also provide utility bill assistance at the local level. Faith-based organizations, including churches and charitable groups, may offer limited financial help, fuel assistance, or resources such as firewood during colder months, and find more details here on how to get free firewood near you. Funding is usually limited and intended for short-term emergencies.
Utility companies themselves often operate customer assistance programs. These may include payment plans, budget billing, arrearage forgiveness, temporary credits, or protections for vulnerable customers, with more details on how to get utility bills forgiven from your local company. Some utility providers also offer energy efficiency programs designed to reduce monthly bills over time.
Additional help may be available for households with medical needs. In some communities, free or low-cost air conditioners are provided to seniors, people with disabilities, or individuals with documented medical conditions to help them remain safe during extreme heat.
Community Action Agencies operate in nearly every county and administer a range of utility assistance programs. These agencies may help households apply for LIHEAP benefits, negotiate payment plans with utility companies, or access other local grants and hardship funds. Learn more on how to get utility help from community action near you.
Referrals to utility assistance programs are also available through the United Way 211 service. This resource connects people to local programs that help pay utility bills and may also provide information on conservation services and energy-saving programs. Information is available at https://www.211.org/get-help/utilities-expenses.
Additional information on state-level LIHEAP programs and contacts is available through the federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse at https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/stateplans.htm.

List of state and utility company assistance programs

Utility assistance programs are administered at the state as well as local level and often vary by utility provider. States operate their own energy assistance funds, often in partnerships with non-profits. On the other hand, utility companies also operate their own customer support programs that can help people keep their utility service on with some non-profits or government resources also available. You can find how to apply using our guide. Use the listings below to select your state or utility company and review the utility assistance options available where you live.

Alabama