Energy Bill Assistance Information
How to get help with your energy bills.
How to get help with your energy bills: Federal and state energy assistance programs are available to eligible DC residents who need help paying their bills.
Here 2 Help is the District of Columbia’s moratorium on utility shutoffs until June 4, 2021. To learn more about District government utility support programs during COVID-19 visit here2helpdc.dc.gov.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides critical home heating and cooling assistance to qualified DC residents. Call the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) hotline at 3-1-1 or visit the new DOEE web portal at doee.dc.gov/liheap for more information.
On June 1, 2020, DOEE began providing emergency utility assistance to residents who owe $250 or more on a utility account. This is a one-time payment to a single utility and benefits will be the amount owed, up to $600.
The Utility Discount Program (UDP) program provides assistance to low-income District residents to reduce their utility costs. Eligible residents could receive up to $475 a year on electricity bills, up to $276 during the winter season on gas bills or over $400 annually on water and sewer bills. For more information or to apply, residents can call 3-1-1 or visit DOEE at https://doee.dc.gov/udp and click “Apply online here”.
The Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) helps qualified customers pay their heating bills. Customers can apply for this program by contacting the Salvation Army office at 202-332-5000 (Wards 1-6) or 202-678-9771 (Wards 7-8). For more information, visit washingtonareafuelfund.org.
The Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) allows qualifying customers the option of reducing or eliminating outstanding balances on residential accounts. If you are a current or recent customer participating in Pepco’s RAD Program and have a minimum balance of $300 or more that is 60 days past due, you may be eligible to enroll.
The Solar for All program helps District residents save money on their electricity bill when they get their electricity from a community solar energy project. Your household may be eligible if you live in DC, and your income is below the program limits. Visit doee.dc.gov/solarforall or call (202) 299-5271 for more information.
The Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program uses District funds to assist with eligible property owner’s lead pipe replacement. Each property owner can receive 50% of their costs covered (up to $2,500), regardless of income. Some residents will qualify for 80% or 100% assistance depending on household size and income. Visit doee.dc.gov, email [email protected], or call 3-1-1 for more information.
The Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge Residential Relief Program provides a benefit on DC Water bills between $15 and $65 per month. Visit doee.dc.gov/service/criac, call (202) 350-9649, or email [email protected] for more information.
In partnership with the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL), families in DC can apply for up to $500 once per year to help pay for their utilities. Call 202-265-8200 or visit gwul.org/utility-assistance for more details.
For more information about energy assistance programs, visit pepco.com/energyassistance.
Pepco payment options that can help you manage your bills.
Pepco is reminding customers who may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to contact the company now to establish payment arrangements and get connected to customer assistance programs that can help get their accounts up to date. Pepco recognizes the ongoing financial challenges some customers are facing as a result of the pandemic and is committed to working with customers individually to help with the continuation of their electric service.
The most important step that customers who are past due on their Pepco bill can take is to call 202-833-7500 or visit pepco.com/help as soon as possible. Customers should never wait until they are in crisis to contact us. Customers must contact the company now!
Pepco Customer Care will work with customers having difficulty paying their energy bill by helping enroll customers into available payment options, including:
- Flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans
- Eliminating down payment/security deposit requirements
- Extending payment periods for balances
- Connecting customers with energy assistance funds
For additional information about payment options and ways to save on your energy bills, visit pepco.com or call 202-833-7500.