LIHEAP Cooling Assistance

LIHEAP's cooling assistance component helps low-income households pay electric bills for air conditioning during summer months. Not all states offer cooling assistance — it depends on state funding decisions and climate. States that do offer cooling assistance typically provide a one-time payment applied directly to your electric bill.

Priority is often given to households with elderly members, people with disabilities, or young children who are most vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Utility Company Low-Income Programs

Most major electric utilities offer assistance programs for low-income customers, often required by state public utility commissions. These programs may include:

• Low-income rate discounts — reduced rates (often 20–50% off) for qualifying customers
• Budget billing — equal monthly payments based on estimated annual usage
• Arrearage management — programs to help pay off past-due balances over time
• Payment plans — extended arrangements to catch up on overdue bills
• Shutoff protection — restrictions on disconnection during extreme weather or for vulnerable customers
• Energy efficiency programs — free energy audits, weatherization, and appliance upgrades

State Energy Assistance Programs

Many states operate their own energy assistance programs that supplement LIHEAP. These state programs may have different eligibility rules, higher income limits, or different benefit structures than LIHEAP. Contact your state energy office or public utilities commission to learn about state-specific programs.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free energy efficiency improvements to low-income households — including insulation, air sealing, heating and cooling system upgrades, and appliance replacements. These improvements can permanently reduce your electric bills by 20–35%.

WAP is administered by states through local community action agencies. Income limits are generally 200% of the federal poverty level. There may be a waiting list.

What to Do If You're Facing Shutoff

If you have received a shutoff notice, act immediately:

• Call your utility company — explain your situation and ask about payment plans and assistance programs
• Apply for LIHEAP crisis assistance — this is specifically designed for shutoff emergencies
• Contact your local community action agency — they may have emergency funds
• Dial 2-1-1 — for referrals to local emergency utility assistance
• Know your rights — most states have rules about when utilities can disconnect service, especially for vulnerable customers

Reducing Your Electric Bill

In addition to assistance programs, these steps can help reduce your electric costs:

- Apply for free weatherization through WAP - Ask your utility about free energy efficiency programs - Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models (some utilities offer rebates) - Use a programmable thermostat - Seal drafts around windows and doors