We’ve put together this list to help residents find energy assistance programs, resources, and tips.. Know of a program or resource we missed, let us know so we can add it.
Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP)
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – March 31 or until funds are exhausted.
Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
- Meet an income test.
- Have reserves at or below $2,250.(Resources will not be counted for this year’s Season from December 1, 2022-March 31, 2023)
- Be responsible for its heating costs.
HOW TO APPLY
Households including a person aged 60 or older or an individual receiving disability benefits and services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – March 31, or until funds are exhausted. Contact your local Department of Social Services for the application dates and for additional information on LIEAP. To apply for Energy Assistance online please visit NCDHHS – ePASS.
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Crisis Intervention Program
The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a Federally funded program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. A household is considered to be in a crisis if it is currently experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life threatening or health related emergency and sufficient, timely and appropriate assistance is not available from any other source. Life threatening is defined as a household which has no heating or cooling source or has a disconnect notice for their primary heating or cooling service and the health or well being of a household member would be in danger if the heating or cooling crisis was not alleviated. Each household should be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if there is a heating or cooling crisis.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
- Meet the income test
- Have an energy related crisis
- Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are taken each year beginning July 1st – June 30th of the following year or until the CIP allocation is exhausted, whichever comes first.
Individuals and families experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis may apply for assistance through the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). Applicants can complete a CIP application by mail, email, fax or drop-off at their local DSS. A face-to-face interview is not required at this time. In addition, disconnect notices are not required at this time. Applicants can present a final notice or past due utility bill and must have a health related or life threatening emergency to potentially be eligible for crisis funds. Access the application here. En Espanól aplicar aqui.
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Share the Light Fund
Duke Energy Progress Share the Light Fund provides heating and cooling assistance to Duke Energy Progress customers who reside in a county served by the company.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
- Must be a Duke Energy Progress residential customer
- Must have a past-due balance, unpaid deposit for utility service or unpaid reconnection charge
- Duke Energy Progress works with agencies to distribute funds to qualifying customers in order to pay energy bills, deposits and reconnection/connection charges.
HOW TO APPLY
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the CARELINE at 800.662.7030.
Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth Program
Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth Program provides heating assistance for households residing in a county that is served by Piedmont Natural Gas.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
(Unable to locate information)
HOW TO APPLY
- Complete the enrollment form on the back of your monthly bill and return it with your payment
- Call 800.752.7504
- Complete our online Share the Warmth enrollment form
- Text SHARE to 21209 (message and data rates may apply)
FIND OUT MORE
🌐 https://www.piedmontng.com/our-company/about-piedmont/our-community/share-the-warmth
Duke Energy Resources
Need Assistance?
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying utility expenses, we offer many programs that offer assistance to qualifying individuals and families during difficult times.
- Financial Assistance – If you or someone you know is experiencing a time of uncertainty, we offer programs and resources to help get you back on your feet.
🌐 https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance - Installment Plans – Need some flexibility with paying your energy bills? Use our Installment Plan to help make monthly payments comfortable for you.
🌐 https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/payment-arrangements/installment-plans - Due Date Extensions – We understand you may need a little extra time occasionally to pay a bill. Extend your payment due date by one to 10 business days.
🌐 https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/payment-arrangements/due-date-extensions - Disconnect Extensions – Residential and business customers can get an additional one or two weeks to resolve a past-due balance and avoid disconnection.
🌐 https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/payment-arrangements/disconnect-extensions
Other Resources
❄ Winter Energy Savings
Get helpful tips and solutions to help you save all season long.
🌐 https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/seasonal-bills
Customers can also use low- to no-cost tips to save energy and money:
- Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. Even a couple of degrees make it easier on your heating systems and your wallet.
- Change your air filter and schedule regular maintenance for your heating systems. Maintaining your heating systems can help increase efficiency.
- Leave drapes or blinds open on the sunny side of the home to allow the sun’s rays to warm the house but close them at night to help insulate your home.
- Seal cracks in windows, doors and vents with caulking and weatherstripping to save 10% to 20% in heating costs.
- Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter, which pushes warm air back down into the room.
- Manage water heating. Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Water heating is typically the second biggest user of energy in your home.
- Customers can track their energy usage down to the hour on their online account or the Duke Energy app.