Getting Help Paying Utility Bills in Virginia

If you are struggling to pay your heating, cooling, or electric bill, Virginia has several programs that may be able to help. The most important thing is to reach out early. The sooner you ask for help, the more options you will have.

What is LIHEAP, and how do I apply in Virginia? 

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs. In Virginia, LIHEAP is run through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), which is managed by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

To qualify, your household must earn less than 150% of the federal poverty level. The amount depends on your income and how many people live in your home.

You can apply through CommonHelp online, or by phone or paper application through your local DSS office.

When can I apply for LIHEAP in Virginia? 

The program has different application windows depending on the type of help you need.

• Heating cost assistance: Applications open the second Tuesday of October and close the second Friday of November.
• Crisis assistance for fuel or utility bills: Applications are open January 1 through March 15. A heating emergency includes having no heat in your home, receiving a shutoff notice, or having unsafe heating equipment.
• Crisis assistance for equipment and security deposits: Applications are open November 1 through March 15.
• Cooling cost assistance: Applications are open June 15 through August 15. This assistance may cover the purchase and installation of a window air conditioner, repair of central AC or a heat pump, or help with electric bills. To be eligible, your household must pay cooling costs and include a vulnerable person, which means someone age 60 or older, a person living with a disability, or a child under age 6.

What other programs help Virginians pay utility bills?

Virginia's main utility companies run their own assistance programs. These are funded by other ratepayers. If you are struggling to pay your bill, contact your utility as soon as possible. Do not wait.

Read more about your utility company’s assistance programs:

• Dominion EnergyShare
• Appalachian Power Neighbor to Neighbor
• Columbia Gas HeatShare

Utilities may also offer payment plans or extensions if you have fallen behind or received an unexpectedly high bill. Contact your utility to ask what options are available. When you speak with a customer service representative, be clear about your situation and what you can realistically afford.

Budget billing, sometimes called average billing, gives you one consistent payment every month instead of bills that go up and down with the seasons. This can make it easier to plan your spending. Your utility will periodically compare your payments against your actual usage. Check your utility's terms of service for details, and contact your utility provider to enroll.

What is the Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP)? 

The Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) is available to low-income customers of Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power (APCo/AEP). Instead of paying a fixed bill amount, you pay a percentage of your household income each month.

If your primary heat source is electric, your monthly bill is capped at 10% of your income. If you use another heat source, such as gas, your monthly bill is capped at 6% of your income. Before enrolling, calculate what those amounts would be for your household and compare them to your current average bills.

When you pay your PIPP bill on time and in full, you receive a credit toward your past-due balance. After 12 consecutive on-time, full payments, your entire past-due balance is cleared.

There are important rules to follow:

• You must verify your income every year, or any time your household income changes.
• You must also pay your bill on time and in full every month.

If you miss a payment or don’t reverify, you could be dismissed from the program and your full account balance will be due immediately. You could also lose access to other assistance from Dominion or APCo.

My utility bill is not in my name. Can I still get help? 

For state assistance programs, the person whose name is on the utility bill must be the one who applies. Private or charitable assistance programs may have different rules.

If you live in group housing and receive a utility bill from your landlord, there may not be a program available to you through the state. However, some local programs or assistance may exist in your area. Contact your local DSS office to ask.

Will getting utility assistance affect my SNAP or SSI benefits? 

No. Energy assistance programs do not count as unearned income for SNAP or SSI. Getting help with your utility bills will not reduce those benefits.

Are there programs to help lower my energy bills long-term? 

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is run by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). It helps reduce your energy use by making improvements to your home, such as sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and repairing heating and cooling systems. Lower energy use means lower monthly bills.

To qualify, your household must earn the higher of 60% of the State Median Income or 200% of the federal poverty level. These amounts are updated every year.

Local providers carry out the improvements. If you qualify, the services are free. Some local providers also offer paid services for households that earn too much to qualify for WAP.

The Virginia Department of Energy also has resources for households that may not qualify for WAP but want to find other ways to save energy and lower their bills.

Where can I get free legal help in Virginia? 

If you need a lawyer but cannot afford one, free help may be available. Call 866-LEGLAID (866-534-5243) or visit virginialawhelp.org/get-legal-help to find a legal aid office near you.