These GA programs can help you pay your utility bills this winter

As the government shutdown continues and Georgia residents are set to lose access to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), worries over paying other household bills compound for residents across the state.

Fortunately, in Georgia, several programs provide assistance with utility bills, especially to low-income households.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households with energy bills, offers crisis assistance for heating/cooling emergencies, and funds home weatherization for energy efficiency.

This program has a multi-tiered application process depending on age and circumstance, but all applicants must be a US citizen or a legally admitted immigrant.

Application deadlines:

For heating assistance:

• First workday of December: residents 65 or older and/or medically homebound
• First workday of January: all other residents

For cooling assistance:

• First workday in April: residents 65 or older and/or medically homebound
• First workday of May: all other residents

Income thresholds

Total gross income must be at or below 60% of Georgia’s State Median Income. ($110,736), but it varies by family size.

•  1-person household: $40,418
• 2-person households: $81,662
• 3-person households: $93,474
• 4-person households: $110,207
• 5-person households: $101,173
• 6-person households: $97,063
• 7-or-more-person households: $111,800

Other criteria

• Applicant must have full responsibility for paying the cost of energy bills for the primary home heating source
• The applicant must have full responsibility for paying the cost of energy bills for the primary home heating source.
• Households are not eligible if their energy bill has a credit of $1,000 or more.
• Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Applicants who live in subsidized housing can qualify only if they can verify an energy burden or if the utility bill is in their name.
• Households may receive only one payment per program component within a program year.
• Additional required documentation includes proof of income, Social Security numbers, current energy bills, and proof of citizenship or legal immigrant status.

Visit the frequently asked questions site for more information.

Georgia Power Customer Relief and Financial Support

Georgia Power partners with local help organizations to assist Georgians with essentials like utilities, shelter, food, rent, and more.

There are several ways to apply for assistance, and customers can use the Community Assistance Resources Locator (CARL) to find what is available in their area.

Bill Discount Eligibility

Georgia Power customers with a combined household income of 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or less, may qualify for an Income-Qualified Discount.

Annual income thresholds:

• 1-person household: $31,300
• 2-person households: $42,300
• 3-person households: $53,300
• 4-person households: $64,300
• 5-person households: $75,300
• 6-person households: $86,300

For each additional person, add $11,000.

Visit the Georgia Power website to begin the application process.

Free programs

Ease

This is for income eligible households and senior citizens. Eligible customers can receive free energy-saving home improvements, including attic insulation and smart thermostats.

• Only available for Georgia Power customers 
• Income must be at or below 200% of the U.S. Federal Poverty guidelines

Visit the Georgia Power website to begin the application process.

HopeWorks

For seniors only, eligible customers can receive free energy-saving home improvements, including attic insulation and weatherization

• Only available for Georgia Power customers 
• Must be 60 years or older
• Own and live in your home
• Income must be at or below 200% of the U.S. Federal Poverty guidelines

HEIP Prefab

This program is specifically for customers living in prefabricated or mobile homes. Eligible applicants can receive free energy-saving improvements, including LED lighting and low-flow showerheads.

• Only available for Georgia Power customers 
• Must live in a prefabricated or manufactured home

Schedule your appointment for evaluation at the Georgia Power website.

Heating Energy Assistance Team (HEAT)

HEAT helps low-income families and individuals pay their heating bills. HEAT provides energy assistance as a joint effort between concerned citizens, businesses and state and local governments.

To qualify:

• Total gross yearly household income is at or below 60% of Georgia’s median income level
• Your household has a member who is responsible for paying the heating bills
• You are a US citizen, qualified alien or permanent resident
• You have received a disconnection notice or need to restore service

You can use this link to look up your community action agency and find the name and contact information for the agency serving your area.

Project SHARE

This program, led by the Salvation Army, helps qualified families who have experienced a sudden financial crisis avoid disasters that threaten the home, such as disconnection or eviction.

Project SHARE offers assistance for:

• Electricity
• Natural Gas
• Water
• Rent (limited)

Restrictions include:

• Each household may receive up to $500 within a 12-month period
• Funds may not be used to pay any deposit (i.e., electricity, rent, water)
• Funds may not be distributed directly to the client; all assistance checks are made payable to the vendor and sent directly to the vendor

Click here to apply and during your appointment, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of where you live (residency within your county)
• Proof of income or loss of income
• Current invoice or bill

Many area faith-based organizations or community action initiatives often offer assistance, and the Georgia Department of Human Services and the Division of Family and Children Services are invaluable resources.

To make an appointment, use this link to find the agency serving your county.

Additionally, the Georgia Public Service Commission offers utility assistance programs. They offer electric and gas programs for weatherization, energy assistance for low-income customers and income-based relief. Their criteria is similar to the LIHEAP, and you can find details here.

If you or someone you know needs assistance or would like to donate or contribute, email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published October 31, 2025 at 6:00 AM.