The Official Electric Shopping Website of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

Need Help Paying Your Electricity Bill?

There are many programs in Pennsylvania to help with your electric costs. Some are offered through electric utilities. Others are run by state and federal organizations. Read more to see which may be a good fit for you.

Electric Utility Assistance Programs

Your electric utility may offer one or more of the following programs:

  • Budget Billing.
  • Customer Assistance Program (CAP).
  • Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Program (CARES).
  • Hardship Funds.
  • Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP).

 

This program lets you pay a fixed amount each month. Budget billing averages bills over 12 months. Each monthly bill is the same amount until the total bill is paid. The company may adjust the bill four times a year, up or down, depending on your usage. Call your electric utility and ask about budget billing.

In this program, you agree to make regular monthly payments to your utility in exchange for continued services. Your bills are based on household size and gross household income. You must follow certain rules to stay eligible for continued participation. CAP customers cannot shop for a competitive electric supplier.

This program helps those in special circumstances find ways to pay their utility bills. These circumstances include:

  • Family Emergencies.
  • Divorce.
  • Unemployment.
  • Medical Emergencies.

CARES offers different types of assistance based on your situation. Contact your electric utility for details

Hardship funds grant assistance to customers who cannot qualify for other financial assistance programs, or to those that still have a critical need when there are no other resources. The funds make payments directly to companies on behalf of eligible customers. Contact your electric utility for more information.

This program helps low-income, residential customers lower the energy used each month. The company may install energy saving features or make energy efficiency improvements in customers' homes. Contact your electric utility to see if you qualify.

This federal program provides financial assistance to low-income households for home energy bills. Cash benefits help low-income consumers pay for their home energy bills. Crisis payments help meet emergency home energy needs. For more information about LIHEAP, call the PA Department of Human Services at 1-866-857-7095.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Low-income families can reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Pennsylvania's Weatherization Assistance Program is administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development. To apply, find the weatherization agency that serves your county.

 

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You have the right to receive fair treatment, accurate billing, and reliable utility services.