Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal | Utility | Charitable
Federal
LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 833-317-1080
Website
Local LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Local Administering Agency Contacts and Tribal LIHEAP Offices
Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts and Tribal LIHEAP Offices Website
LIHEAP FY 2024 Funding
$23,355,735
*including additional $583,744 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
60% State Median Income (150% Federal Poverty Level if household has 8 or more members)
200% Federal Poverty Level for weatherization
LIHEAP FY 2024 Benefit
Heating: $108 minimum, $3,564 maximum
Crisis: $9,999 maximum
LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2023
Heating: 17,073
Cooling: 3
Year-round Crisis: 4,426
Weatherization: 273
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: October 1 - April 30
Crisis: Year-round
Weatherization: Year-round
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
NorthWestern Energy
Customers who qualify for LIHEAP, automatically receive a discount on their NorthWestern Energy electric and natural gas bills. Apply for LIHEAP through a local Human Resource Council.
1-833-317-1080
http://www.northwesternenergy.com/
Flathead Electric Cooperative
Eligible members receive a credit equal to half the basic charge on their bill each month. In most cases this is an $11.36 per month credit. Residential members must qualify as low-income according to the guidelines set by LIHEAP (150% of federal poverty level). Members qualifying with LIHEAP after October 1 will automatically be eligible. All recipients must reapply each year.
- Kalispell Office 406-751-4483;
- Libby Office, 406-293-7122 or 1-800-735-8489
www.flatheadelectric.com/custserv/EnergyAsst/energyasst.htm
Lincoln Electric Co-op
Discount for elderly or disabled.
406-889-3301 or 1-800-442-2994
Mission Valley Power
MVP members who are 62 or older or disabled by Social Security standards receive a monthly credit once they are determined LIHEAP eligible through the March bill.
Missoula Electric Cooperative
Customers who receive LIHEAP may be eligible for a discount.
1-800-352-5200 or 406-541-4433
www.missoulaelectric.com/
Park Electric Co-op
Senior Income Eligible Discount
Available to members of the Cooperative, 60 years of age or older who meet LIHEAP eligibility guidelines. Available on a first come, first serve basis. An application is available on the website.
406-222-3100
http://www.parkelectric.coop/content/senior-income-eligible-discount
Vigilante Electric Cooperative, Inc.
In the fall, energy assistance is offered to households meeting low-income guidelines. Applications are usually available between September 15 and November 1
406-683-2327 Toll Free: 800-221-8271
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Energy West
- Furnace and Water Heater Safety and Efficiency Program Energy Share also administers a program for Energy West customers who have unsafe furnaces or water heaters. The appliance is examined and either repaired or replaced with an Energy Star appliance if necessary. Check this list to contact the appropriate Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) to ask about applying for this program.
Montana-Dakota Utilities
Furnace and Water Heater Safety and Efficiency Program
Energy Share administers a program for MDU customers who have unsafe furnaces or water heaters. The appliance is examined and either repaired or replaced with an Energy Star appliance if necessary. Check the map at this link to contact the appropriate Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) to ask about applying for this program.
NorthWestern Energy
Free Weatherization Program
Customers who rent or own their homes may be eligible for free weatherization measures. This service is provided in partnership with the State of Montana’s weatherization program.
Apply through a local Human Resource Council.
1-833-317-1080
http://www.northwesternenergy.com/
Sun River Electric Coop
Home Weatherization Program
Provides funding to weatherize residential homes for low-income households located within the service delivery area of Sun River Electric Coop. Energy saving practices such as insulation, window replacement, weather stripping and furnace repair or replacement qualifies under this program. To apply for this assistance call: Opportunities, Inc.
1-800-253-4091 or 1-406-761-0310
www.sunriverelectric.coop/content/weatherization
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Energy Share of Montana
Provides one-time assistance, most often in the form of help with a heating bill, but occasionally with heating equipment repairs or other special energy needs. It is distributed on the basis of need rather than federal poverty guidelines or on the recipient's fuel type. Apply through a local Human Resource Council.
1-800-777-7589
www.energysharemt.com
My Neighbor in Need Emergency fuel assistance may be available through My Neighbor in Need. Call the number listed below to request assistance.
- Cascade County, (406) 750-2542
- Havre (city), (406) 952-0355
Flathead Electric
Keep the Lights On
Provides help in emergencies for low-income members who are in disconnect status. Up to $200 can be applied to the past-due account once a year.
- Kalispell Office, 406-751-4483
- Libby Office, 406-293-7122
- 1-800-735-8489
Lincoln Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Operation Round-Up (ORU)
Low-income families, individuals and senior citizens who qualify for assistance through designated social service agencies can benefit from the program. Winter heating assistance grants are paid by distributing ORU funds through LEC's in-house energy assistance program. To enroll in the program check the 'Please enroll me in Operation Roundup' box on your electric bill or contact LEC and a customer service representative will enroll you in the program.
(406) 889-3301 Fax: (406) 889-3874
info@lincolnelectric.coop
