Summer Energy Assistance Programs for Low-Income Households

Households use more electricity during the summer to keep indoor temperatures cool. This increase in energy costs can be challenging to afford, particularly for low-income households. However, summer energy assistance programs can help families, seniors and the disabled pay their energy bills. 

Low-income households, or homes at 150% of the federal poverty level, spend 8.6% of their income on energy expenses, nearly three times more than higher-income homes pay, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA).

Federal programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) exist to offer grants covering this energy burden. Some states and utility companies also have programs to help with energy costs. 

Learn more about energy assistance programs and how they can help you stay cool this summer.

Types of Summer Energy Assistance Programs

You may be able to access a few types of energy assistance programs, including bill payment assistance, energy efficiency upgrades and crisis intervention programs. Bill payment programs, such as LIHEAP, help cover electric bills for qualified households. 

Weatherization programs offer an energy audit and funding toward energy-efficient home upgrades. Crisis Intervention Programs (CIP) support emergency and life-threatening situations related to heating and cooling. These programs are federally funded but may vary by state in offerings and eligibility. 

Federal Programs

Here are the federally funded programs helping pay for energy bills for eligible households. 

• LIHEAP: This program offers a one-time grant to help pay energy bills. The payment goes to your utility provider or fuel company as a credit on your bill. You can determine your eligibility using the LIHEAP tool and check for open application dates on your state’s website. The site provides instructions on how to apply for LIHEAP and contact information for questions. Program eligibility is based on income level at or below 150% to 200% of the poverty guideline, depending on your location. 
• CIP: This federally funded program provides emergency support to households with a heating or cooling crisis, such as having no air conditioning or receiving a disconnection notice with a family member who relies on electricity for medical needs. To qualify, your home must have at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, meet income requirements of 150% of the federal poverty level and provide a utility statement showing the amount needed. Contact your local energy assistance representative through the state’s website to apply. 
• WAP: This program helps reduce energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. After upgrades, households save an average of $372 per year. Eligibility is based on income below 200% of the federal poverty level or participation in other government programs. Start the application through a local provider listed on your state’s website, where they’ll verify your income and assess your home.

State-Specific Programs

While every state manages federal energy funds, some create additional programs to help with summer cooling costs. Program availability, eligibility and benefits vary by your location. 

You will find application instructions on each state’s website. Most require providing documentation online, applying in person or contacting your local representative.

California

You can receive financial support and services to help manage energy costs through LIHEAP in California. Funding is limited and prioritized by need, so not all who apply will receive funds. Check your eligibility and apply on the state’s LIHEAP application site. Here are the main services offered through the program and other options in the state:

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): One-time financial help with energy bill payments. 
• Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP): Emergency support for those facing utility disconnection or energy-related crises. 
• LIHEAP Weatherization: Free energy-efficient home upgrades to lower energy bills and increase safety.

• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): Provides a 30% to 35% discount on electricity bills for income-eligible homes. 
• Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA): Customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Pacific Gas and Electric Company who qualify receive an 18% discount on energy bills. 
• Energy Saving Assistance Program (ESA): Offers free weatherization services to those who also qualify for CARE, such as attic insulation, weatherstripping and energy-efficient refrigerators. 

Connecticut

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps residents afford energy bills. Here’s what you need to know about Connecticut energy assistance programs:

• CEAP: Your income must be at or below 60% of the state’s median income. Those already receiving other assistance benefits may be eligible for CEAP. You must provide a Social Security number for each member of your household. Apply online, in person, or by phone, email or mail. Visit the state’s website for specific application instructions by method. 
• CT WAP: The WAP program uses the same income threshold as the CEAP, 60% of the state’s median income. Priority is given to households with seniors, people with disabilities, families with children or high energy use. Homes that have already received weatherization help in the last 15 years may not qualify. If you rent, your landlord might need to help pay for part of the cost. Connect with your local Community Action Agency to apply.

Florida

You’ll find LIHEAP and WAP assistance in Florida. Check your utility’s website for additional programs, such as requesting an extension when you need more time to pay. 

• Florida LIHEAP: Your eligibility is based on household income, which must be up to 60% of Florida’s state median income or 150% of the federal poverty level. Required documents include proof of income, photo ID, Social Security numbers and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. You can check the household income limits online and apply through your local LIHEAP provider or on the provider’s website. 
• Florida WAP: The program financially supports income-eligible households with weather stripping, insulation, energy-efficient repairs and air conditioner replacements. You can apply by contacting your local weatherization office or submitting a client intake form to an agency. 

Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers LIHEAP, WAP and additional savings through the MassSave program.  

• LIHEAP: The LIHEAP program in Massachusetts is only open for application between November 1 and June 17. In 2024, the program offered $180 to $530 toward heating bills. Income-eligible homes can apply for MassSave and WAP to lower cooling costs. 
• Massachusetts WAP: Offers up to $4,725 in energy-efficiency upgrades and repairs. You’re eligible if you have already qualified for LIHEAP or have income not exceeding 60% of the state’s median. You can apply online or through a local agency. 
• MassSave: This program offers free insulation, air-sealing, appliance and cooling equipment upgrades. You can confirm your eligibility based on income, then schedule a home energy assessment.

New Jersey 

New Jersey offers state, local and utility programs for summer energy assistance. 

• LIHEAP: You can apply for cooling assistance between October 1 and June 30 by applying online or by contacting a local agent. 
• Universal Service Fund (USF): The program ensures you don’t pay more than 6% of your annual income toward electric bills. It is available for those with income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. Check the USF website to apply or call 1-866-240-1347.
• Lifeline Assistance Program: Older adults or those with disabilities can receive $225 per year toward energy payments. You must be a New Jersey resident aged 65 or older and have an income of less than $53,446 if single or less than $60,690 if married. Check additional guidelines and application instructions on the state’s website. 
• Payment Assistance for Gas & Electric (PAGE): Offers up to $700 per year for gas and electric bills for low-to-moderate-income households. You must first apply for LIHEAP and USF. Eligible applicants must have an overdue balance of at least $100. You can call 1-855-465-8783 for application information. 
• Fresh Start Program: Provides debt forgiveness for USF customers who make on-time payments for 12 months. Eligible households will be automatically enrolled by their utility company and notified by mail. Call your utility company for details.

New York

You can find all the details about cooling assistance programs on the New York State website. Here are a few important ones to know:

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): The HEAP benefit helps eligible households stay cool by covering the cost of installing an air conditioner or fan. To qualify, you must meet income guidelines, already receive government benefits and have a medical condition made worse by heat or a vulnerable household member. Applications for cooling assistance open on April 15, 2025, and can be submitted by phone, online or in person at your local HEAP office. 
• Utility bill assistance: Each utility company in New York offers an energy bill assistance or affordability program, such as ConEdison, PSEG Long Island, Central Hudson and National Grid. Check your utility’s website for more information. 
• Empower+: The Empower+ program helps income-eligible New Yorkers save energy and lower utility bills by offering free home energy assessments and funding toward efficiency upgrades. You could receive up to $10,000 in improvements for upgrades such as insulation, air sealing and heat pumps. You can connect with your regional clean energy hub to apply. 

North Carolina

You can get help on energy bills in North Carolina with the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), WAP and utility programs.

• LIEAP: Offers a one-time payment to help with heating bills during the winter. You can apply for emergency cooling assistance through CIP in the summer. Applications open on July 1, 2025, and remain open until June 30, 2026, or until funds run out. You must have a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen in your home, meet the income requirement of 150% of the federal poverty level and have a utility statement showing how much you owe to resolve the crisis. 
• WAP: Helps eligible residents improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs through home weatherization. Your household must meet income guidelines or receive government benefits to qualify. You can apply through your county’s local service provider. 
• Utility programs: Duke Energy Progress, Piedmont Natural Gas, Wake Electric and Haywood Electric Company offer bill assistance programs to customers in each respective service area. 

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP program is traditionally for heating assistance during the winter, but has also offered cooling assistance during the last three summers. 

• LIHEAP: LIHEAP offers assistance for air conditioners, fans and repairs to eligible households in the summer. While there is no online application or specific information available for 2025 yet, eligibility in previous years required receiving LIHEAP or weatherization assistance in the heating season. Applications will be processed through local weatherization agencies once available.
• WAP: You can receive up to $7,669 per household toward weatherization projects based on home energy audit results. Your income level must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Contact your local agency to apply. 
• Utility and energy company programs: You can find energy bill assistance, rebates and other benefits through your utility company, energy supplier or the Dollar Energy Fund grant in Pennsylvania. Check your power company website, such as Duquesne Light, MetEd and Columbia Gas of PA, for more details.

Texas

Use the following programs to help reduce the impact of high energy bills during hot Texas summers.

• Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): This LIHEAP-funded program helps low-income households pay for energy costs. To apply, you must have an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Contact the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs or a local agency to submit your application. 
• WAP: If you qualify for CEAP, you likely also qualify for WAP based on your income level. You can apply through an agency in your area. 
• Utility programs: Utilities and energy companies in Texas offer bill assistance programs, including Reliant Energy, TXU Energy and Direct Energy.

Virginia

Virginia offers an Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for fuel, crisis, cooling and weatherization. This cooling assistance program can help you pay for summer energy bills and air conditioning equipment if you meet eligibility requirements. 

• EAP: Eligible households can apply for cooling assistance from June 15, 2025, to August 15, 2025. The program covers air conditioner purchases, installation, repairs, electric bills or security deposits. To qualify, your income must be below 150% of the federal poverty level and include a vulnerable member (age 60+, disabled or under 6 years old). You can apply through the CommonHelp website or in person at a local social services department. 
• WAP: You can receive funds toward energy-efficient home improvements through WAP in Virginia. Check your eligibility online and find a local provider to apply. 
• Utility programs: Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare cooling program offers up to $300 in crisis situations and doesn’t include an income requirement. Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative and Appalachian Power also offer charitable services for bill assistance. 

How To Apply for Summer Energy Assistance

Get started on your summer energy assistance applications with these steps: 

1. Check what’s available in your state: Search online or contact a local agency to find the LIHEAP, WAP and utility assistance programs in your state. You can also call 2-1-1 to learn more about available services.
2. Determine eligibility: Review eligibility criteria or get support from a local agency to determine if you can apply for the program. Review the application deadline and submit on time. Deadlines vary by state but usually fall between April and August for summer assistance programs. 
3. Gather documents: Depending on the program, you will need proof of income, utility bills, photo identification, proof of residence and proof of vulnerable household members. 
4. Submit your application: With most programs, you can submit it online, in person or with the help of an agency. 

Required Documentation

Here’s what to gather for your application and what each document is used for. Requirements may vary by program, so check the specific details for what you need to provide.

Energy Conservation Tips for Summer

Hot outdoor temperatures in the summer mean your air conditioner has to work hard to keep your home comfortable. Air conditioning is the biggest energy user in your home, making up about 19% of electricity costs on average. In hot states such as Texas, it can make up nearly 50% of your total usage during the summer.

Weatherization can help improve your home’s efficiency and reduce your overall costs. Energy assistance programs offer support for upgrades, repairs and bill payments for those who qualify. Taking steps to reduce usage and understanding your energy habits can make these funds go even further. 

Low-Cost Energy Saving Measures

Here are a few ways to conserve energy at home this summer. 

• Close your curtains or blinds during the day to keep sunlight from warming your home.
• Cook in the early morning or late at night when it’s cooler to avoid heating your home during the hottest hours.
• Seal your doors and windows to keep cool air in and make it easier for your air conditioner to maintain temperatures. 
• Unplug electronics when not in use to prevent them from consuming energy. 
• Use fans instead of air conditioning for cooling to reduce electric usage and save on energy costs.

Frequently Asked Questions