Washington

Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal | State | Utility | Charitable

Federal

LIHEAP Contact
1-360-725-2857
LIHEAP@commerce.wa.gov
Website

LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Local Administering Agency Contacts

Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Website

LIHEAP FY 2024 Funding
$65,422,651
*including additional $1,717,365 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)

LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
Heating & Crisis: 150% Federal Poverty Level
Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Level or 60% State Median Income

LIHEAP FY 2023 Benefit
Heating: $200 minimum, $1,000 maximum
Crisis: $10,000 maximum
Weatherization: $20,000 maximum

LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2023
Heating: 79,623
Year-round Crisis: 15,372
Weatherization: 2,180

LIHEAP Program Dates
October 1 - August 30

State

Low-Income Energy Efficiency

Energy Matchmaker State general funds go to "Energy Matchmaker" program and are matched by local, utility and other funds. Measures included attic, wall and floor insulation, weatherstripping and furnace modifications. For more information contact your local community action agency.

Utility

 

Low-Income Rate Assistance

All of the utilities and Public Utility Districts listed below provide rate discounts for low-income, seniors or disabled customers. Discounts range from 5% to 40% of a customer's utility bill.

Tacoma Public Utilities

  • Discount Rate Special discount rates for City of Tacoma utilities are available to qualified, low-income customers who are, 62 years or older or are receiving disability income: 30% discount on power, water, solid waste, surface water and/or wastewater bill. Applications and more information about required documents are available on the website listed below. Bring the application and required documents to Tacoma Public Utilities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday-Friday. 253-502-8600 www.mytpu.org/your/payment-assistance.htm

Seattle City Light
www.ci.seattle.wa.us/light/accounts/assistance/

  • Discounted Rates for Low-Income, Seniors and Disabled Qualifying customers can save 50% on electric, water, sewer and garbage bills. Senior citizens or a persons with disabilities with income at or below 70% of the state median level, call the Office for Senior Citizens at 206-684-0268. Customers with household income at or below 70% of state's median income may call the Seattle Human Services Department at (206) 386-1001 to qualify and enroll. Customers living in federally-funded public housing and Section 8 housing are not eligible.
  • Emergency Low Income Assistance Seattle City Light customers may receive assistance of up to 50% or $200 of their electric bill if they have received a final notice. Household income must be at or below 125% of federal poverty, and customers must have already received help from the Energy Assistance Program. Payment arrangements to cover any balance are required. This assistance is limited to once a year. 206-684-3000

AVISTA Utilities

  • Low Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP)
    The Low Income Rate Assistance Program is for Avista customers to ease the energy burden on limited income customers below 150% of the federal poverty line. Benefits for limited income households are based on eligibility and a percentage of the customers heat bill. Contact your local community action agency.
  • Senior Energy Grants
    Grants are available for Washington customers age 60 or older, and/or individuals living with disability who are not typically eligible for Energy Assistance for limited-income customers. If you are a senior living in Eastern Washington contact your local community action agency to see if you qualify for this or other energy assistance. For a referral, please call Avista CARES at 888-700-2757 or to see if you qualify, contact your local community action agency.www.avistautilities.com/account/assistance/Pages/senior.aspx

Benton Co. PUD
Low-Income Senior and Disabled Discount
A 15 percent discount is available to qualified customers with an annual household income that is 100 percent to 175 percent of the federal poverty level. A 20 percent discount is available for customers with an income that is less than 100 percent of the federal poverty level. Customers must be 62 years of age for the Senior Low Income discount. The Disabled Low Income discount is available to customers that have a member in the household who is disabled.
To apply, call the Benton Franklin Community Action Committee at 509-545-4065. Applications are also available on the PUD's website.
www.bentonpud.org/articles/low_income_discounts.php

Chelan County PUD
Rate Discount
Low-income senior citizens and disabled customers may be eligible for a discount on their electric bills. Wenatchee (PUD Headquarters) 509-663-8121 Chelan 509-682-2581 Leavenworth 509-548-7761 www.chelanpud.org/about-us/contact-us

City of Port Angeles
Pass the Buck
The City of Port Angeles has a voluntary contribution utility assistance program called PASS THE BUCK, which provides funds to help those in need pay their electric bills in emergency situations. This program assists qualified low-income residential customers in paying their utility bills. The PASS THE BUCK program is entirely funded from voluntary' contributions https://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/376. City of Richland Low-Income Rate Discounts Low-income seniors (age 62) and low-income disabled customers receive a variety of utility services at discounted rates. Eligibility: household income is less than 125% of the poverty level. More information and application form is available on the website. 509-942-7390 www.ci.richland.wa.us/home/showdocument?id=1836 Clallam County PUD Contact any PUD office http://www.clallampud.net/contact-uslocations-2/ for an application or call (360) 452-9771 or (800) 542-7859 www.clallampud.net/customer_service/disabled_discounts.asp

  • Senior Citizen Discount The PUD offers a discount on electric and water bills to customers who are 62 years or older and have a total household income less than $18,000.
  • Disabled Discount The PUD offers a discount on electric and water bills to disabled customers whose total combined household income is at or below 125 percent of the federally established poverty level.

Clark Co. PUD
360-992-3000 or e-mail us
https://www.clarkpublicutilities.com/residential-customers/financial-assistance/all-financial-assistance-programs/

  • Guarantee of Service Plan Customers pay a maximum monthly amount based on income rather than electricity use. Security deposits and late charges are waived.
  • Rate Credits A senior 62 years or older who has an annual income less than $24,000 qualifies for a 50% credit on their bills Jan - April. The credit is based on the customer's highest four winter month bills.

Columbia Rural Electric Association
Senior Citizen Discount
Seniors 65 or older with income less than or equal to 150% of federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for a rate discount. 509-382-2578 Dayton or 1-800-642-1231 www.columbiarea.com/content/senior-citizen-discounts

Cowlitz County PUD

  • Low-income Senior Discount Rate A reduced electric rate for qualified seniors aged 65 or older, with a gross annual household income under $18,000. Application for 2007 starts September 1, 2006.
  • Low-income Disabled Discount Rate A discount is available for customers who qualify for special parking privileges, blind, disabled, and handicapped or an incapacitated person as defined under the Revised Code of the State of Washington (RCW) and receive a disability income, and meet all eligibility guidelines. To apply for either discount, contact Columbia Community Action Council at 360-425-3430 and request an appointment. www.cowlitzpud.org/low_income.php

Ferry County PUD
Low-Income Senior Discount
To qualify for a discount on your electric utility bill for your primary residence, you must be 62 years or older and meet income level requirements. For additional information contact Joyce Dunn at customerservice@fcpud.com.
509-775-3325
http://fcpud.com/customer-services/assistance/

Franklin PUD

Grays Harbor PUD

  • Senior Discount Program
    Seniors 62 years or older that meet income guidelines may be eligible for a discount. A completed application, identification, proof of age, social security card, and one of your P.U.D. electric bills will be required. Renters living in federal subsidized housing are not eligible.
    Call 360-532-4220 or 1-800-562-7726.
  • Disabled Discount Program
    You may be eligible for a discount on your electric bill if you have a disability covered by Washington State Laws and are income eligible. A completed application, including picture ID and a copy of your current SSI award letter or L & I pension certification letter along with proof of income for anyone residing at the residence, will be required upon application.
    Call 360-532-4220 or 1-800-562-7726.

Klickitat PUD
Low Income Senior Discount Low income seniors, 62 and over, may apply annually for the senior discount at Klickitat County Senior Services. Qualified seniors receive between and 5% and 35% off their winter bills.
For more information about this program you can contact them directly at 800-447-7858.

Mason County PUD

  • Low-income discount for senior citizens, age 62 and over who are permanent, year-round customers of PUD 3, whose annual disposable income is $35,000 or less and who do not live in federally subsidized housing. The discount amounts to approximately $15.00 a month. Contact your local PUD offices 
    https://www.pud3.org/service/billing-options/assistance-programs
  • Discount for low-income disabled persons, approximately $15.00 a month. To qualify, the PUD account must be in the name of the disabled person. The customer cannot live in federally subsidized housing and must be a permanent, year-round customer of Mason County PUD 3.
    Call the Community Action Council at 426-9726 or toll free at 1-800-952-6992 to schedule a qualification appointment.
    https://www.pud3.org/service/billing-options/assistance-programs

Orcas Power & Light Co-op
Energy Assistance Credit
This ratepayer-funded program provides a bill credit of $10-$25 per month (depending on household size) every month of the year to members who meet the qualifications for other assistance programs such as Federal Free Lunch, LIHEAP or OPALCO’s Project PAL. Applications can be found at http://www.opalco.com/about-your-account/energy-assistance-program/ or paper copies can be picked up at OPALCO offices and at family resource and senior centers.

Pacific Co. PUD
Low Income Senior and Disabled Discount
Seniors (62 and over) and disabled customers who fall within the federal poverty guidelines may qualify for a discount of up to 40% of the electric bill. Applications must be renewed annually and are available at P.U.D. offices.
Long Beach office 360-642-3191
Raymond office 360-942-2411
Naselle 360-484-7454
https://www.pacificpower.net/res/fa.html

Pacific Power
Low-Income Bill Assistance
A three-tiered bill discount based on income is available during the heating months of November through April. Monthly billings include a discount on each kWh of usage over 600 kWh. Contact your local community action agency:
Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla Blue Mountain Action Council 509-529-4980
Yakima County - South of Union Gap Northwest Community Action Center 509-865-7630
Yakima County - North of Union Gap Yakima Valley OIC 509-248-6751

Peninsula Light Company
Senior and Disabled Discount
Discounts of 25% are available to income eligible seniors, 62 or older, and disabled customers.
Applications are on the website.
253-857-5950 or 1-888-809-8021
www.penlight.org/discounts/

Puget Sound
HELP
Provides additional bill-payment assistance (beyond the federal LIHEAP program) to qualified PSE customers. Eligible customers can receive credits to lower their electricity or natural-gas bill.
Contact a local agency for assistance. 1-888-225-5773 ; TTY >1-800-962-9498
http://pse.com/accountsandservices/YourAccount/Pages/Low-Income-Assistance.aspx

Snohomish Co. PUD
Senior and Low-Income Discounts Year-round discounts of 20 percent, 40 percent, or 60 percent off electric bills, depending on income level. Low-income customers at or below 125% federal poverty level and seniors, 62 or older, with income less than $27,792. Applications are available online or at any PUD office, most senior citizen centers, or by calling the utility's customer service department.
425-783-1000 or 1-877-783-1000
www.snopud.com/home/account/discounts.ashx?p=1188

Low-Income Energy Efficiency

Pacific Power
Works with local agencies to provide free weatherization services to income-qualifying homeowners and renters living in single-family homes, mobile home or apartments. Based on the home's needs, a variety of measures can be installed, including insulation, energy-efficiency shower heads, compact fluorescent light bulbs and more. Please call the community agency in your area to learn more and to apply:

  • Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla Blue Mountain Action Council (509) 529-4980
  • Yakima County - South of Union Gap Northwest Community Action Center (509) 865-7630
  • Yakima County - North of Union Gap Opportunities Industrialization Center of Washington (509) 452-2555
    https://www.pacificpower.net/res/fa.html

Seattle Office of Housing
HomeWise Weatherization
Weatherization grants can insulate single family homes with low-income households as well as apartment buildings that qualify. After an energy analysis of your home is performed, an energy conservation package, which includes insulation, venting, weatherstripping, and more, will be installed.
Call 206-684-0244 for more information or application.
www.seattle.gov/housing/HomeWise/

Chelan County PUD
Through a combination of state and District funds, the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council weatherizes low-income homes.
509-662-6156 Wenatchee (PUD Headquarters)
509-663-8121 Chelan
(509) 548-7761 Leavenworth
 

Cowlitz County Public Utility District 
Residential Weatherization Conservation
Cowlitz PUD's residential energy conservation program is being revised and will be available again to qualified customers later this summer. Once the program is up-and-running, the website will be updated with the pertinent information. If you have any specific questions, please contact our Energy Conservation Department at (360) 577-7514 or (800) 631-1131.
http://www.cowlitzpud.org/pdf/EnergyEfficiency/resWEATHERplusDOC.pdfp

Douglas PUD 
Douglas PUD has participated in the Washington State Department of Community Development's Energy Matchmaker Low Income Weatherization Program through the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council since 1988. The program utilizes matching funds to weatherize houses for low-income residents of Douglas County. 509-884-7191 or 1-800-503-7990

Puget Sound Energy
Services may include installing insulation, lighting and refrigerator replacement. Local low-income agencies can provide information on the free services available and qualification requirements for participants. Contact your local low-income agency for assistance.
1-888-225-5773; TTY 1-800-962-9498
http://pse.com/accountsandservices/YourAccount/Pages/Low-Income-Assistance.aspx

Emergency Charitable Assistance

Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.

Avista
Project Share
Project Share is a community program supported by shareholders, customers and employees. The funds are forwarded to community action agencies, which work with each family. Grants are available to those in need without regard to their heating source.
Contact your local community action agency.
http://www.avistautilities.com/account/assistance/Pages/share.aspx

Pacific Power
Project HELP
Pacific Power matches customer donations dollar-for-dollar to Project HELP.
Yakima, 509-453-3139
Walla Walla, 509-529-9470
Sunnyside/Toppenish, 509-865-4151
https://www.pacificpower.net/res/fa.html

Tacoma Power
Family Need
An assistance program for income-qualified households that have permanent electric heat.
Contact a local agency listed below.
Metropolitan Development Council, 253-572-5557 (City of Tacoma Residents)
Pierce County Community Services, 1-855-798-4328 (outside the city)
www.mytpu.org/your/payment-assistance.htm

Seattle City Light
Project SHARE
A program for customers who have received an urgent notice and have taken advantage of all the other assistance programs. Funded by customer donations, it will pay up to $500 of your electric bill. Customers must be referred by Seattle City Light Customer Service.
For more information call 206-684-3000.
www.ci.seattle.wa.us/light/accounts/assistance/

Cascade Natural Gas
Winter Help
Because of illness, loss of employment or other crises, some households have difficulty paying their heating bills. Funded through donations from Cascade Natural Gas customers, Winter Help funds are designed to help customers with temporary heating emergencies.
Contact local agency.
www.cngc.com/customer-service/low-income-assistance-programs

Chelan PUD
Helping Hands
The Chelan/Douglas Community Action selects qualified families for the program, 509-663-8121. Wenatchee (PUD Headquarters) 509-663-8121 Chelan 509-682-2581 Leavenworth 509-548-7761

City of Port Angeles
Pass the Buck
Funded by voluntary donations and assists low-income city residents with their utility bills. The Olympic Community Action Council determines eligibility and assists recipients through a screening process. North Olympic Community Action Council, 540 East 8th Street, (313) 452-4726

City of Richland
Helping Hands
Customer donations to help other customers in a time of need. A one-time payment of up to $100 helps another customer pay his/her utility bill when they do not have other means to pay. This program is managed by the Benton Franklin Community Action Council.
509-545-4042

Clallam County PUD
Neighborly Assistance Program
Customer donations provide funds to qualified low-income residential customers to assist them in paying their electricity bills. Contributions are administered http://www.clallampud.net/contact-us-locations/ by the local Community Action Council.
https://www.clallampud.net/neighborly-assistance/

Clark County PUD
Operation Warm Heart
Fuel assistance program that helps pay home heating bills for the elderly, the ill...for all who face financial hardships from unemployment or family crisis. It pays for any heating source: oil, gas, kerosene, wood, and electricity.
360-992-3000
https://www.clarkpublicutilities.com/community-environment/what-we-do/operation-warm-heart/

Cowlitz County PUD

  • Warm Neighbor Program Customer donations assist qualified low-income families with their electric bills. Electric customers seeking assistance can contact the Lower Columbia Community Action Council at 425-3430.
    www.cowlitzpud.org/warm_neighbor.php
  • Warm Neighbor Plus These funds are for Cowlitz PUD customers who have received a shut-off notice, with the following allowable income level: a household of one cannot make more than $1,805 per month; a family of two, $2,428 per month; a family of three, $3,052 per month. Contact the Lower Columbia Community Action Council at 425-3430

Elmhurst Mutual Power & Light
Shine a Light
Customer donations provide emergency financial assistance to qualified, low-income customers struggling to pay their electric bills .Administered by the Salvation Army. 253-531-4646 www.elmhurstmutual.org/content/shine-light-program-0

Ferry County PUD
Project Share
A heating assistance program. 
Contact Jayne at jjurgensen@fcpud.com for agency names and numbers or for more details.

Franklin PUD
Helping Hands
The Helping Hands program is designed to assist Franklin PUD customers in need. Customer donations fund the program which is administered by the Community Action Committee.
1-800-638-7701 or 509-547-5591
https://www.franklinpud.com/index.php/programs-services/helping-hands/

Grant Co. PUD
Share the Warmth
509-766-2512

Grays Harbor PUD
Project Help
Customer contributions help pay for heating bills of families in need. This fuel-blind program will pay for all sources of heat — gas, oil, electric, wood, etc. The funds also assist low-income families with the deposit required for new PUD electric service. Coastal Community Action Program administers the program.
Please call: 360-533-4220 or 1-800-562-7726

Klickitat PUD
Operation Warm Heart
An emergency energy assistance program funded by gifts from PUD customers. Klickitat-Skamania Development Council screens applicants to ensure they meet income and other criteria.
Goldendale, 509-773-5891
White Salmon, 509-493-2255

Lewis County PUD
Project Share
Customer donations help low-income customers who are struggling to pay their electric bill. The PUD contracts with the Community Action Council for administration and distribution of the funds to qualified low-income residential customers.
Chehalis Office: 360-748-9261 or 1- 800-562-5612
Morton Office: 360-496-6100
http://lcpud.org/assets/pdf/Project_Share.pdf

Mason County PUD 3
Project Share
An assistance program that is a joint effort of PUD 3, the Community Action Council (CAC), churches, interested citizens, and PUD 3 customers. Its purpose is to assist needy customers with their electric bills.
Shelton: 360-426-8255
Elma to Shelton toll free: 360-482-4998
Belfair to Shelton toll free: 360-275-6518
Belfair PUD 3 office: 360-275-2833
https://www.pud3.org/service/manage-your-account/project-share

Modern Electric Water Company
Project Share
Project Share is a community program funded by customer donations that provides emergency home heating for local needy families. By granting a one-time support, Project Share helps those in trouble long enough to get them back on their feet.
509-928-4540 https://www.modernelectricwater.com/

Okanogan Co. PUD Project HELP Community Action administers Project Help, a program to provide District customers the opportunity to voluntarily donate funds to assist needy families and individuals who are unable to pay their electric utility bills and cannot obtain help elsewhere. Project Help also provides funds to help secure utility deposits.
Okanogan 509-422-3310
Oroville 509-476-3531
Brewster 509-689-2502
Tonasket 509-486-2131

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative
Project PAL
Funded through member contributions, Project Pal helps members pay their winter heating bills. Fifty% of the  funds are designated for low-income seniors, 60 years or over, and disabled persons. The remaining 50% will be available to members who meet the established guidelines of the program. Recipients are asked to either reimburse the program once they are out of financial difficulty or to join Project PAL.
An application form is available on the website.
Call 360-376-3500 for more information.
www.opalco.com/programs/project-pal/

Pacific County PUD
Warm Heart
Customer donations help needy customers pay their electric bills. This program helps customers who cannot get help elsewhere. The program is administered by The Ministerial Association in the north county area, and by FISH in the south county.
Ministerial Association 360-942-3157
FISH 360-642-4987
www.pacificpud.org/cs_asst.htm

Pend Oreille Public Utility District 
Neighbors in Need Funded by customer donations, recipients are usually families who have fallen on difficult times due to medical emergencies, unemployment or other reasons. 509-447-3137, TDD 1-800-833-6388

Peninsula Light Company
Project Help Members donations provide assistance program for low-income families on the Gig Harbor and Key peninsula. The light company matches these donations dollar for dollar. Project Help is available to low-income families from November through April to help with high winter heating bills. Key Peninsula Community Services administers the program.
253-857-5950
www.penlight.org/project-help/

Puget Sound Energy
Warm Home Fund
Emergency utility-bill assistance which consists of voluntary contributions from PSE employees, customers, and shareholders. Qualified low-income families who face a possible loss of electric or natural gas service may receive assistance.
Contact your local the Salvation Army.

Snohomish Co. PUD

  • Project Pride An energy assistance program administered by the local Chapter of the American Red Cross in cooperation with Snohomish County PUD. Funded solely by local donations, Project PRIDE gives electric bill grants to low-income families.
    425-252-4103 x 21
  • Helping Hands This program receives donations from PUD employees to help low-income senior citizens with their electric bills.
    For more information, call PUD Customer Service at 425-783-1000 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).