Pennsylvania Energy Assistance Programs

If you’ve ever opened your electric bill and felt like you just got hit by a lightning bolt, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Electricity costs can zap your wallet fast, especially during those chilly Pennsylvania winters or blazing summer heat waves. But here’s the good news: there are a ton of energy assistance programs available in the Keystone State to help.

Whether you’re a homeowner in Harrisburg, a renter in Reading, or a small business owner in Scranton, Pennsylvania, energy assistance programs can make a huge difference when you’re struggling to pay your electric bill.

We’ll break it all down for you—no boring legal jargon, just helpful information, fun facts, and the quick way to get support.

Federal Energy Help: Free Money (Almost)

1. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This is the big one. Think of LIHEAP as the golden standard of utility help: If your income qualifies, LIHEAP gives you a cash grant to help with your energy bill—no need to pay it back.

• What it helps with: Heating bills, emergency shut-offs, and sometimes summer cooling. Anywhere from $300 to $1,000, depending on income, household size, and fuel type.
• Who qualifies? Income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines based on household size. Household size refers to all people living together, whether related or unrelated, who share expenses. For example, the 2024-2025 income limits are approximately $22,590 for a household of one, $30,660 for two, $38,730 for three, increasing by about $8,070 for each additional person. You do not need to be receiving other public benefits or have an unpaid heating bill to qualify.
• How to apply? Check eligibility and apply through the PA Department of Human Services. You will need names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for all household members (or complete an affidavit if no SSN). You also need proof of income for all household members.
• Impact: LIHEAP helped over 5.3 million U.S. households in 2023 alone!

2. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Is your house draftier than a haunted barn in October? The weatherization assistance program can help! The average expenditure per household is approximately $7,669, depending on the results of the home audit.

The program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered in Pennsylvania by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and local weatherization agencies. This program makes your home more energy-efficient by sealing leaks, upgrading insulation, and replacing inefficient appliances—all for free.

• What it helps with: Lower your bill by fixing your home’s energy use problems.
• Who qualifies? Eligibility is for households with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Priority is given to higher-risk residents such as the elderly, disabled individuals, families with children, and high energy users.

  For example, in 2024-2025, a single-person household must have an income below approximately $31,300, and a family of four must have an income below about $64,300 to qualify. Households with a member receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify. Both homeowners and renters can apply, but renters need landlord approval.

• How to apply? Visit the Pennsylvania DCED website. Applicants must complete an application and provide proof of income, residency, and utility bills. Once qualified, an energy auditor will conduct an on-site home energy audit to determine the most cost-effective weatherization measures. The program is open year-round; however, funding and availability may vary, so we recommend submitting your application early.
  

State Energy Help: Programs from the Pennsylvania PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) mandates a variety of assistance programs that work directly with your electric company. These are often tailored to your financial situation and can even cancel outstanding debt if you qualify.

1. Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs)

If you’re on a tight budget, CAPs help you pay a fixed, reduced monthly bill based on your income instead of your actual energy usage. (Imagine a Netflix-style energy subscription that stays the same throughout the year.)

• Who qualifies? Eligibility is generally based on household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Customers must have an active residential utility account. Households with payment difficulties or past due balances are typical candidates. PECO, PPL, Duquesne Light, Met-Ed, Penn Power, and others all offer this program.
• How to apply? Contact your utility directly for information on CAP availability and application procedures. Many utilities partner with Dollar Energy Fund for CAP enrollment and hardship grants. FirstEnergy and other utility customers can apply via PA Bill Assist online or by calling Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-6816.

You will need to provide proof of income, household size, and utility account information. After applying, you will receive notification of enrollment and monthly payment amounts. CAP customers are not eligible to participate in competitive electric supplier programs while enrolled. Recertification is required periodically to maintain eligibility.

2. Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Program (CARES)

Got hit with a medical emergency, job loss, or personal crisis? CARES connects you with additional help. It’s like your utility company’s way of saying, “let’s get you back on your feet.”

• Who qualifies? Generally, there are no strict income requirements to access CARES services. The program targets customers facing temporary financial or personal hardships that affect their ability to pay utility bills. Customers must have an active residential utility account.
• How to apply? Contact your utility company’s customer service or CARES program directly to request assistance. Many utilities provide CARES information on their websites and have dedicated phone lines or customer representatives for CARES inquiries.

You may be asked to describe your hardship situation and provide basic account information. CARES representatives will assess your situation and refer you to relevant programs or agencies that can offer financial assistance, payment plans, or other forms of support. No formal application form is typically required for CARES, but documentation may be needed for referred programs.

3. Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)

This one targets high-energy users. If your bill is sky-high and you qualify as low-income, LIURP helps lower your usage through home improvements (like insulation, sealing ducts, or upgrading your heating system).

• Who qualifies? Eligibility is generally limited to low-income households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Customers must have an active residential utility account and demonstrate higher-than-average energy usage over the past 12 months. Renters must obtain written permission from their landlord to participate.
• How to apply? Contact your local utility company to inquire about LIURP availability and application procedures. Utilities typically partner with community-based organizations or certified contractors who conduct in-home energy audits and install energy-saving measures.

After application and qualification, a certified contractor will schedule a home visit to perform an energy usage evaluation. Based on the audit, appropriate weatherization and energy efficiency measures will be installed. The LIURP program includes education on energy conservation practices to help sustain savings.

4. Dollar Energy Fund

Dollar Energy Fund is a nonprofit organization that has provided utility assistance grants to over 820,000 low-income families and individuals since 1983. This nonprofit works with many Pennsylvania utility companies to provide grants (usually around $100–$500) to help pay your bill directly.

• How to qualify? Eligibility generally requires household income at or below 150% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, depending on the utility and specific program. Applicants typically must have an active utility account and have made recent payments.

  Customers must apply for LIHEAP and Crisis programs before applying for Dollar Energy Fund grants when those programs are open. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.

• How to apply? Start by contacting your utility company’s customer service; they will help determine your eligibility and refer you to Dollar Energy Fund or a community-based agency partner.

Some utilities allow partial or full online applications through Dollar Energy Fund’s MyApp portal. Grants are not a substitute for regular monthly payments; customers must continue to make their bill payments.

You will need to provide: a recent utility bill, proof of income for all household members, and documentation of recent utility payments. Applications are typically processed within two business days. If approved, the grant will be applied directly to your utility account (please allow 4-6 weeks for posting). If denied, you’ll receive a written notification. Grants don’t replace regular monthly payments; customers must continue to pay their bills.

Utility Company Perks & Payment Options

Even if you don’t qualify for big programs, your utility company might still offer flexible payment plans and tools to avoid shutoffs and surprises.

1. Budget Billing

Hate surprise bills? Budget billing spreads your yearly energy costs into predictable monthly payments. Your summer and winter bills stay around the same amount.

• Who offers it: Most PA utility companies (PECO, Duquesne Light, PPL, Met-Ed etc.).
• How to enroll: Log in to your utility account or call customer service.

2. Payment Arrangements & Extensions

If you’re behind on your bill, don’t panic—call your provider and ask about payment arrangements. They can often break your balance into smaller monthly payments. You might even get a due date extension.

Tip: Always call before you miss a payment—it shows responsibility and gets you better options.

3. Medical Certificates

If someone in your household has a serious medical condition, you may qualify for protection from utility shut-offs with a medical certificate from a doctor.

• How it works: Your provider will pause shut-off actions while the condition exists.
• Who qualifies? There are no income requirements to qualify for a medical certificate; however, it provides temporary protection while customers seek longer-term assistance. Qualification requires a serious medical condition or disability that the loss of utility service has negatively impacted. A licensed medical professional (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) determines medical eligibility, not the utility company.

The medical certificate must include the patient’s name and address (utility account holder or relationship), anticipated length of condition, and the certifying medical professional’s name, contact information, and signature. This temporary protection is available to residential accounts, with no income requirements, and enables customers to seek longer-term assistance.

• How to apply? A licensed medical professional must submit a medical certificate form on your behalf, often provided by the utility and approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Submission methods vary (fax, mail, online portal). Upon receipt and verification, disconnection stops or service is restored. Certificates are valid for 30 days and renewable. Use this time to apply for energy assistance programs like LIHEAP or CAP. Utilities and community organizations can assist with the medical certificate process and provide referrals.

More info on these options is available via the PA PUC’s Consumer Assistance Guide.

Where to Compare Electricity Rates in PA

Pennsylvania consumers have several avenues available to explore competitive electricity rates and potentially lock in a fixed-rate plan to help with energy affordability:

1. Explore the PA Power Switch Website: The PA Power Switch website operated by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission offers a comprehensive marketplace with potentially hundreds of competing energy offers. While this provides a wide array of choices, navigating through numerous plans and determining the best supplier for your specific needs can sometimes feel overwhelming.
2. Simplify Your Search with ElectricityRates.com: ElectricityRates.com offers a secure, fast, and simple process designed to streamline your rate comparison experience. We present you with only the best rates from top-rated and trusted electricity suppliers serving Pennsylvania, saving you time and effort in your search for the ideal plan.
3. Shop Directly Through Supplier Websites: You also have the option to visit individual energy suppliers’ websites. However, keep in mind that you will only see the plans offered by that specific supplier, requiring you to visit multiple websites to get a broader view of the competitive landscape.

Final Thoughts: Get Help, Not Headaches

If you’re struggling with high electric bills, don’t wait until the lights go out. Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive range of assistance, from federal grants to local utility repairs. Whether you’re freezing in Philly or roasting in Reading, there’s likely an energy assistance program available to help.

We all need a hand from time to time. With these programs, anyone can take control of their electricity bills.