Electricity is not optional. You need it to keep food from spoiling, to charge the phone you use for work and emergencies, to power the medical equipment someone in your family depends on, and to keep your home safe and livable. Yet in 2026, the average US household electric bill has climbed to $183 per month — up 22 percent from just five years ago — and over 20 million American households are behind on their electric payments according to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association. If you are staring at a past-due notice right now, know this: help exists, and you can access it today.
Multiple layers of assistance are available, from federal programs like LIHEAP to utility company hardship plans and nonprofit emergency funds. And while you navigate those applications, you can start closing the gap immediately with supplemental income. I am Beezy lets you earn $5 to $15 per day from your cell phone by viewing content — no commute, no application, no boss. That is real money — $150 to $300 per month — that goes straight toward keeping your electricity on. Here is every option available to you.
Government Programs for Electric Bill Assistance
LIHEAP — your primary federal resource
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides direct payment toward your electric bill if your household income falls at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Benefits range from $300 to $1,000 per year depending on your state, household size, and energy costs. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company, reducing your balance. Apply through your local Community Action Agency or call 211 for help finding the nearest office. If you have a shutoff notice, ask for crisis LIHEAP — many states process emergency applications within 48 hours.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
If high electric bills are a chronic problem, the issue might be your home itself. The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households — insulation, window sealing, HVAC repair, and even new refrigerators or water heaters when the old ones are energy hogs. The average weatherization project saves families $372 per year on energy costs. WAP is free for qualifying households and is administered through the same Community Action Agencies that handle LIHEAP.
State-specific electric assistance programs
Beyond LIHEAP, many states run their own electric bill assistance programs. California offers CARE (30 to 35 percent discount on electric bills) and FERA (18 percent discount for slightly higher-income households). Ohio has PIPP Plus, which caps your electric bill at 6 percent of your household income. New York has the Home Energy Assistance Program plus several utility-specific discount programs. Check with your state's public utility commission or call 211 to learn what is available in your area.
Utility Company and Nonprofit Help
Your electric company's hardship program
Every major electric utility in the United States operates some form of customer assistance program. These go by different names — Duke Energy's Share the Light, Con Edison's assistance programs, PG&E's CARE — but they all provide discounts, payment arrangements, or direct bill credits to customers who are struggling. Call the number on your electric bill and say: "I need help paying my bill. What programs do you offer for customers experiencing financial hardship?" Write down the program name, eligibility requirements, and application process. Many programs can be activated the same day you call.
Nonprofit emergency electric bill assistance
Organizations like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, and local churches often provide one-time emergency payments toward electric bills. The amounts vary — typically $100 to $500 — but they can prevent a shutoff or bring your account current while you wait for longer-term assistance to kick in. The Salvation Army's nearest office can be found at salvationarmyusa.org. Catholic Charities operates in nearly every diocese at catholiccharitiesusa.org. Call 211 for a complete list of organizations near you that offer emergency utility assistance.
Dollar Energy Fund and similar programs
The Dollar Energy Fund operates in several states and provides grants of up to $500 toward electric and gas bills for qualifying households. Funded by utility companies and individual donors, the program has distributed over $100 million in utility assistance since its founding. Similar programs exist in other states — for example, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program covers water bills, and some local United Way chapters maintain their own utility assistance funds.
| Assistance Source | Typical Benefit | Eligibility | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIHEAP (regular) | $300-$1,000/year | Income below 150% FPL | 2-4 weeks |
| LIHEAP (crisis) | Same + emergency processing | Shutoff notice or disconnection | 48-72 hours |
| Utility hardship program | 10-35% discount ongoing | Varies by company | Same day to 2 weeks |
| Salvation Army | $100-$500 one-time | Demonstrated need | 1-2 weeks |
| WAP (weatherization) | $372/year in savings | Income below 200% FPL | Weeks to months |
| Dollar Energy Fund | Up to $500 | Varies by state | 2-4 weeks |
Earning Extra Income to Stay Current on Electric Bills
Why assistance alone is not always the answer
Even with LIHEAP and a utility discount program combined, you may still owe $50 to $150 per month out of pocket for electricity. That number does not shrink when summer arrives — air conditioning during heat waves pushes electric bills even higher than winter heating in many southern and southwestern states. A sustainable strategy combines available assistance with consistent supplemental income.
Turning spare minutes into paid electric bills
With I am Beezy, every spare moment can generate income toward your electric bill. You view content on your phone — videos, articles, and ads — and earn money for each view. There is no schedule, no manager, and no minimum commitment. Whether you spend 10 minutes in the morning or 30 minutes in the evening, the earnings add up. Users who are consistent report $150 to $300 per month. The referral program amplifies your earnings further — each person you refer generates additional income for you on an ongoing basis. Between assistance programs and what you earn on Beezy, your electric bill does not have to be a source of constant stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Bill Help
Can the electric company shut off my power if I have children?
Protections vary by state, but many states prohibit disconnection when children under a certain age live in the household, during extreme temperatures, or when a household member has a certified medical condition. Contact your state's public utility commission to understand your specific protections. Regardless of your state, always call your utility company before a shutoff — most will work with you on a payment arrangement if you communicate proactively.
How do I reduce my electric bill while waiting for assistance?
Switch to LED bulbs (they use 75 percent less electricity), unplug devices and chargers when not in use, set your thermostat 2 degrees lower in winter and 2 degrees higher in summer, wash clothes in cold water, and air dry dishes instead of using the heated dry cycle. These changes can reduce your electric bill by 10 to 20 percent — that is $18 to $36 per month at the national average.
Can I apply for both LIHEAP and my utility's hardship program?
Yes. These are separate programs with separate funding sources, and using one does not disqualify you from the other. In fact, stacking multiple programs is the most effective strategy for reducing your electric bill to a manageable level. Apply for every program you qualify for — LIHEAP, utility company programs, and nonprofit assistance — simultaneously.
What if I rent and electricity is included in my rent?
If your landlord pays the electric bill and it is not in your name, you typically cannot apply for LIHEAP directly for electricity. However, you may still qualify for heating fuel assistance if you pay separately for heating, or for other forms of assistance that reduce your overall expenses. Call 211 to discuss your specific situation and find programs that apply to your circumstances.
Keep Your Lights On Starting Today
You have more options than you think. Call 211 today to find every electric bill assistance program in your area. Apply for LIHEAP through your Community Action Agency, call your utility company about their hardship program, and check with local nonprofits for emergency help. While those applications are in process, start earning supplemental income — sign up for free on I am Beezy and put your cell phone to work keeping the lights on. The help is out there, and you deserve to use every bit of it.
