I Need Help Paying My Electric Bill in PA. You’re not alone: Many Pennsylvanians face this challenge, and effective programs exist to help. Here’s a look at your options:
Federal & State Help: LIHEAP
1. What is LIHEAP?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides cash grants to eligible Pennsylvania households to help pay energy bills, including electric service. You don’t have to be on public assistance or have arrears to qualify.
2. Eligibility (2024–25):
Income limits by household size (e.g., 1 person ≤ $22,590/year; 4 people ≤ $46,800/year)
3. How much you can get:
A one-time grant ranging from $200 to $1,000, based on income, household size, and fuel type.
4. Crisis Grants:
Available if you’re facing heating emergencies—like broken heating, imminent shut-off, or low fuel supply.
5. Application Period:
Typically open November through early spring (Nov 4, 2024–Apr 4, 2025). For 2025–26, anticipate a similar timeframe.
6. How to Apply:
Via the COMPASS online portal, paper apps at County Assistance Offices, or by calling 1‑866‑857‑7095 (TTY 711)
Utility Company Programs: Duquesne Light
If you’re served by Duquesne Light (Greater Pittsburgh area), here’s what you can access:
1. LIHEAP Grant Coordination
Duquesne applies your LIHEAP grant directly to your bill and can split payment between electric and heating providers.
2. Customer Assistance Program (CAP):
– Income limit ~150% of federal poverty level.
– Offers reduced monthly payments, debt forgiveness, and security deposit waivers.
– Payments based on income; debt relieved gradually over time .
3. Dollar Energy Fund:
– Grants for hardship cases; requires income ≤ 200% FPL and initial payments to the account.
4. CARES & LIURP Programs:
– CARES helps with referrals for medical, unemployment, or family crisis.
– Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) focuses on weatherization and energy efficiency.
5. Payment Arrangements & Budget Billing:
– Option to spread out payments or use fixed monthly average billing.
6. Emergency & Weatherization Services:
Includes home energy audits, LED bulbs, repair of unsafe electrical issues, sometimes free.
Nonprofit, Local & Charity Assistance
It’s not just government and utilities—local organizations help too, especially in Pittsburgh:
From r/Assistance users:
“St Vincent Council of Pittsburgh has a utility assistance program… The Salvation Army … Catholic Charities helps … Dollar Energy Fund helps limited‑income households”
Other resources include:
- United Way / PA 211 hotline (dial 211 or text ZIP to 898‑211).
- Local charities (e.g., Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul).
- Community Action agencies and church-based programs.
TIP from r/povertyfinance:
Call 211—they can often connect you quickly to immediate help and charities before shut-off happens.
Consumer Protection & Advocacy
1. File a PUC Complaint:
If you face unfair billing, confusion, or service problems, filing with the Public Utility Commission can escalate your issue effectively.
2. Watch for Scams:
Utility scam calls are common. Duquesne Light says they never threaten immediate shut-off or request payment via prepaid cards
Energy Efficiency Tips
Improving efficiency can reduce bills and could be free through some programs:
- Insulate attic/roof (attic should be ~R‑30)
- Get free LED bulbs, draft sealing, and smart power strips via LIURP or utility audits
- Lower thermostat settings: summer ~74–78 °F, winter ~68 °F.
- Use budget billing to smooth out seasonal spikes.
Summary Table
| Program | Who It Helps | What It Offers | How to Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIHEAP | Low-income households | $200–$1,000 grant; crisis assistance | Apply via COMPASS or 1‑866‑857‑7095 |
| Duquesne CAP | Income ≤150% FPL | Discounted monthly bills, debt forgiveness | Apply through Duquesne Light |
| Dollar Energy Fund | Income ≤200% FPL in hardship | One-time utility grant | Through community agencies |
| CARES & LIURP | Low-income, crisis/hardship | Bill referrals, audits, weatherization | Contact Duquesne Light or county resources |
| Payment Plans | Any customer in arrears | Budget billing, installment plans | Call your utility provider |
| Charities & 211 | Households in emergency | Emergency assistance via local aid | Dial 211 or contact nonprofits |
| PUC | All consumers | Billing or service issue resolution | File complaint with PA PUC |
What You Should Do Next
- Check your income vs. program limits.
- Apply first for LIHEAP (season opens in November).
- If with Duquesne, enroll in CAP, CARES, or LIURP.
- Call 211 or local charities for immediate help.
- Apply to Dollar Energy Fund if in hardship.
- Improve home efficiency via free audits and insulation.
- Use budget billing to ease seasonal spikes.
- File a PUC complaint if you face unfair billing or service problems.
Bottom Line
If you’re struggling to pay your electricity bill in Pennsylvania, there are several types of assistance available: federal grants (LIHEAP) and specific utility assistance (CAP, CARES, LIURP), local charities, and legal protections. Start with LIHEAP and 211, then add assistance from utilities and nonprofits. And don’t neglect energy efficiency measures—they’ll save you money in the long run.
