How to Get Help with Energy Bills and Home Weatherization this 2026

• Author: Jeannie Dare
• Posted: 2026-01-12

If paying for electricity, gas, heating, or cooling is hard, the U.S. government and local agencies offer several programs to help lower-income households. The two biggest are:
 

1. LIHEAP (Utility Bills)

• Pays heating/cooling bills or prevents shutoff.

• Apply through your state agency Oct 2025–Apr 2026 (varies by state).

• Need: Utility bill, income proof (pay stubs, SSI letter), ID.

• Find yours: usa.gov LIHEAP by state.​
   

2. WAP (Home Weatherization)

• Free insulation, air sealing, furnace repair.

• Contact your local Community Action Agency or state energy office.

• Need: Income proof; home energy audit required.

• Find yours: energy.gov/wap.​
   

Quick Steps

1. Call 211 for your local office.

2. Gather: Bills + income docs.

3. Apply early (funds run out fast).

 

State‑Specific Energy & Utility Help (2026)

Pennsylvania – LIHEAP 2026

• Program: Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

• 2026 Budget: ~$173.25 million for benefits (cash + crisis payments)

• Income limit: 150% of federal poverty level

• When to apply:

  • Opens: November 3, 2025

  • Closes: April 10, 2026 (or earlier if funds run out)

• Benefits:

  • Cash grants: $25–$1,000 to help with heating bills

  • Crisis payments for households at risk of disconnection

• Weatherization: 15% of LIHEAP funds set aside for home weatherization upgrades

• Apply: Through your county assistance office or online at dhs.pa.gov
   

Illinois – CEDA LIHEAP & Utility Help

• Program: CEDA’s LIHEAP (DVP, RA, PIPP)

• 2026 Season:

  • Priority period (seniors, disabled, young kids, disconnected): October 1, 2025

  • Open enrollment (all eligible): November 1, 2025

  • Applications accepted on a first‑come, first‑served basis through August 15, 2026 (or until funds are gone)

• Income limits (30‑day gross income):

  • 1 person: ≤ $3,332

  • 2 people: ≤ $4,357

  • 4 people: ≤ $6,407

• Benefits:

  • Direct Vendor Payment (DVP): One‑time payment to gas/electric bills

  • Reconnection Assistance (RA): Up to $1,500 to prevent or restore service

  • PIPP: Budget billing with monthly benefit and past‑due forgiveness

• Furnace help: LIHEAP Furnace Assistance for broken heating systems (applications through May 29, 2026)

• Apply: cedaorg.net/bills
   

District of Columbia – LIHEAP 2026

• Program: DOEE LIHEAP (Regular + Emergency Assistance)

• 2026 Season:

  • New applications accepted starting December 1, 2025

  • Regular assistance: For households not yet disconnected

  • Emergency assistance: For households already disconnected or with oil at ≤5%

• Income limits (FY 2026, Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026):

  • 1 person: ≤ $61,841

  • 2 people: ≤ $80,869

  • 4 people: ≤ $118,926

• Benefits:

  • Regular: $200–$1,800 one‑time payment to utility

  • Emergency: Up to $500 to restore service

• Apply:

  • In‑person (by appointment only) at DOEE Energy Centers

  • By mail to DOEE

  • Call 311 or (202) 737‑4404

• Note: Only DOEE can accept LIHEAP applications; do not give them to your utility or other agencies
   

California – LIHEAP & Energy Savings Assistance

• Program: State LIHEAP + Energy Savings Assistance (ESA)

• 2026 Funding: California received $212 million in federal LIHEAP funds for FY 2026

• LIHEAP (Energy Bill Help):

  • One‑time payment to electric/gas utility

  • Priority for seniors (60+), disabled, and families with young children

  • Income limits vary by county; generally around 150–200% of poverty level

• Energy Savings Assistance (ESA):

  • Free weatherization for low‑income households (attic insulation, efficient furnace, weatherstripping, etc.)

  • Based on CARE income guidelines

• Utility Discounts:

  • CARE: 30–35% discount on electric/gas bills

  • FERA: 18% discount for households slightly above CARE limits

• Apply:

  • Find your local LIHEAP/ESA provider at csd.ca.gov

  • Or call 2‑1‑1 for local referrals
     

Texas – Comprehensive Energy Assistance (CEAP)

• Program: Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

• 2026 Season:

  • Applications for 2026 open January 26, 2026, at 8 a.m.

  • Serves Hays, Caldwell, and Blanco Counties (other counties may have similar programs)

• Benefits:

  • Utility payment assistance for electric, gas, propane, butane

  • Energy education, budget counseling, and crisis help (e.g., portable heaters/coolers)

• Priority: Low‑income households with high energy burden, children under 5, disabled, elderly, or veterans

• Apply:

  • Online or in person through Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas

  • Contact local offices in San Marcos, Lockhart, or Luling

• Other help:

  • Many Texas counties also offer utility assistance through local community action agencies; check 2‑1‑1 Texas for programs in your area
     

Florida – Utility Rate Changes & Help

• Rate News:

  • Duke Energy Florida: Residential bills expected to be ~$44 lower in 2026 due to lower fuel and storm‑cost recovery charges

  • Florida Power & Light (FPL): Proposed a multi‑year rate hike (including increases in 2026–2027) to fund solar and battery projects

• Utility Help:

  • State LIHEAP and local agencies offer bill payment assistance for low‑income households

  • Many utilities (FPL, Duke Energy, etc.) have their own assistance programs and payment plans

• Apply:

  • Contact your utility directly for hardship programs

  • Use 2‑1‑1 Florida or the state’s 2‑1‑1 system to find local energy assistance programs

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