Energy Assistance Programs

• Low-income Energy Assistance Program, or LEAP, known in some states as the Home Energy Assistance Program, HEAP; or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, provides assistance to home owners and renters whose incomes fall below a certain level. You may qualify for a subsidy to pay all or part of your fuel bill, or you may be entitled to a lower rate on future bills. The money for these programs comes from the federal government, but states administer the programs and set the income limits. To find out about your state's program, contact the State Department of Human Services.
  
  

Balanced Billing

• If you can pay your bill most of the year, but higher heating costs in winter stretch your budget too far, ask your utility company about balanced billing. The utility provider will add up all your bills for the last year and divide this total by 12, then bill you an even amount each month. Several times a year the utility will reevaluate your bills and adjust them up or down to reflect the previous 12 months' average. This may mean you pay higher bills in summer months than you did before, but lower bills in the winter. It's easier to budget your payment when you know they'll be the same each month.
  
  

Payment Plans

• If you have gotten behind on your bills and are facing having your power or gas shut off, try to negotiate a payment plan with your utility provider. If you can pay the current month's bill, the utility may be willing to divide the amount you owe into additional payments you make each month until the debt is paid.
  
  

Vouchers and Other Assistance

• Churches and public assistance agencies sometimes offer one-time vouchers to eligible households to pay high winter fuel bills. Contact area churches and welfare agencies and ask if they offer any assistance. Also ask your utility about any programs they offer to reduce or forgive your bill. Some companies offer customers the option to round up their utility bills, or to contribute a set amount each month. These monies accumulate in a fund the utility sets aside to help those in need. Ask if you qualify for this program.
  
  

Utility Company Programs

• Once you've negotiated payment of your existing bills, you may be able to take advantage of programs to help you lower your future bills by making your house more energy efficient. Local governments and utility companies often offer free or low-cost energy audits and programs to supply insulation and weatherstripping. Low-income households may be eligible for grants to make improvements that will save energy.