If you have a disconnection notice or cannot pay your electric bill, act fast. Contact your utility company immediately to explore payment plans and emergency assistance options before your power is cut off.
Based on federal consumer protection law and HUD/CFPB public guidance · Last reviewed July 2026
The Direct Answer
If you received an electric shutoff notice or cannot pay your bill, contact your utility company right away. Ask them about their hardship programs, payment arrangements, and if they can place a temporary hold on disconnection.
Next, contact your state's LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) office, your state housing finance agency, or a local community action agency to apply for emergency utility assistance. These programs exist to help homeowners like you cover energy costs and prevent shutoffs.
Do not sign any document that transfers ownership of your home or promises to pay your utility bill in exchange for a lien or equity share. Always verify the legitimacy of any program or individual offering help.
Your First Call: Your Electric Utility Company
The moment you receive a shutoff notice or realize you cannot pay your bill, call your electric utility. Do not wait until the last minute. Explain your situation clearly. Every utility company has specific procedures for customers facing hardship, and you must know yours.
What to Ask For:
Disconnection Hold: Request a temporary pause on any disconnection action while you work out a solution.
Payment Arrangement: Ask about a deferred payment agreement, where you pay a portion now and the rest later, or an installment plan to spread out past-due amounts.
Budget Billing: Inquire about a budget billing plan, which averages your annual energy costs into consistent monthly payments, making bills more predictable.
Hardship Programs: Ask if they offer their own internal utility assistance programs, energy efficiency upgrades, or refer you to local non-profit partners.
Medical Protections: If someone in your home has a serious medical condition that requires electricity for life-sustaining equipment, inform your utility immediately. You will likely need a doctor's note for extended protection.
Confirm all deadlines for payment or for submitting required documents to avoid further action.
Federal and State Emergency Assistance Programs
Several government-funded programs can help homeowners pay their electric bills. These programs are typically administered at the state or local level, often through state agencies or community action agencies.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
LIHEAP is a federal program (42 U.S.C. §8621 et seq.) that helps families with energy costs. It has different components, including energy bill assistance, energy crisis assistance (for shutoffs), and weatherization. Eligibility is based on income, typically at or below 60% of the state median income. To apply, contact your state's LIHEAP office or a local community action agency. Be prepared to provide proof of income, household size, and your utility bill.
Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF):
The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is a federal program (established by Section 3206 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) designed to help homeowners impacted by the pandemic. While primarily for mortgage assistance, many state HAF programs also cover delinquent utility payments, including electricity, to prevent foreclosure. Check with your state's housing finance agency or HAF administrator for specific program details and eligibility in your area.
Local Organizations and Housing Counselors
Beyond government programs, many local non-profit organizations, charities, and faith-based groups offer emergency financial assistance for utility bills. These resources vary significantly by location.
A HUD-approved housing counseling agency can also be a valuable resource. While their primary focus is often housing stability, many counselors are knowledgeable about local utility assistance programs and can help you develop a budget or connect you with resources. Visit the HUD Exchange website to find a counseling agency near you. They can help you understand your options and apply for assistance.
Key Contacts:
Local 211 Service: Dial 211 on your phone or visit 211.org to connect with local services, including utility assistance.
Community Action Agencies: These local non-profits often administer LIHEAP and other community programs. Search online for "Community Action Agency [Your County/City Name]".
Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul: These organizations often have emergency aid programs.
Lowering Your Future Electric Bills
While immediate assistance addresses the crisis, reducing your ongoing electric costs is a critical long-term strategy. Many utility companies and state energy offices offer programs for energy efficiency upgrades.
Options to Explore:
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): This federal program (42 U.S.C. §6861 et seq.), administered by states, helps low-income households make energy-efficient home improvements, like insulation or sealing air leaks, at no cost.
Utility Energy Audits: Your electric company may offer free or low-cost home energy audits to identify areas where your home is losing energy. They might also provide rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or HVAC systems.
Energy-Saving Habits: Simple changes like adjusting your thermostat, unplugging unused electronics, and using natural light can significantly impact your monthly bill.
Investigate these options even after your immediate crisis passes to prevent future payment struggles.
Need Help With Your Electric Bill?
Access resources, find local assistance programs, and get tactical advice to stabilize your utility payments.
Can my electric utility shut off power if I have a medical condition?
Most utility companies have rules protecting customers with serious medical conditions that require electricity. You must notify your utility immediately and provide a doctor's note or medical certification. These protections are usually temporary, so you will still need to work out a payment plan.
What is budget billing and how does it help?
Budget billing (or averaged billing) allows you to pay a consistent amount for your electricity each month, rather than fluctuating with seasonal usage. The utility estimates your annual usage and divides it into twelve equal payments. This helps avoid spikes in your bill during peak heating or cooling seasons.
How often can I get emergency utility assistance?
Eligibility rules vary by program and state. Many emergency assistance programs, like LIHEAP's crisis component, are limited to once per heating or cooling season, or once per year. You will need to reapply and meet eligibility criteria each time you seek aid.
What if I think my electric bill is wrong?
If you suspect an error on your bill, contact your electric utility's customer service department immediately. Request a detailed breakdown of your charges and ask them to investigate. If you are not satisfied with their response, you can file a complaint with your state's Public Utility Commission or equivalent regulatory body.