Energy Assistance

Immediate Financial Relief

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Energy assistance program designed to help income-eligible households with their utility bills. LIHEAP is a federal program that will apply a one-time energy assistance benefit to your electric or heating source bill.

Utility Discounts Program (UDP) - DC program that will give a reduced rate on electricity, gas, and water bills. If someone doesn’t qualify for LIHEAP, they still may be eligible for UDP. UDP recently increased its eligibility threshold to 80% of AMI. 

Pepco Customer Relief Fund - One-time relief fund administered by the Salvation Army. Customers can apply for assistance at $300 max per household. 

Greater Washington Urban League - One-time emergency utility assistance to DC residences year-round. Up to $500 for electric and gas utilities (split as needed) and up to $350 for water services.

Catholic Charities DC - CC’s Southeast Family Center program offers DC residences emergency utility and rental assistance (ERAP). Support is provided through scheduling an appointment. 

Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) - Started by Washington Gas and The Salvation Army, WAFF provides DMV household heating bill support or disconnection support. 

• Important Notice: WAFF only accepts applications between January to May, and only to residents who have already exhausted other programs, such as LIHEAP.

Legal Resources

The Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) - DC government agency that advocates for and represents consumers of utility services in the District. You can learn more about your rights as a utility service consumer, file a complaint against a utility, or keep up with utility proceedings in the District on their website.

• Consumer Bill of Rights

• Take Command of your Utility Rights

Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network (LTLAN) - Free phone advice for unrepresented tenants with housing disputes (utilities, rent, etc.). 

• Call 202-780-2575

The Office of Consumer Services (OCS) - DC Public Service Commission (DCPSC) assists DC residents with problems, issues, or concerns they may have with a utility company. You can file a complaint on their website or by calling 202-626-5120. If the complaint is not resolved through this informal process, residents can petition for a formal hearing.

DC.gov resources: 

• https://dc.gov/page/utilities-shutdown 

• https://here2helpdc.dc.gov/ 

Pepco Managed Assistance Programs

Overview: 

• Payment Arrangements - Service that enables customers to pay past due balances using monthly installment payments added to your monthly electric bill. 

• Extended Due Date - Service that will extend the due date of your bill by 14 calendar days

• One-time 30 Day Payment Delay 

• Budget Billing - Service that spreads a customer’s utility costs evenly month by month by charging a pre-arranged amount with each bill. This will eliminate monthly or seasonal variation. After 12-months, any credit/debit balances will be reflected on the next bill. 

Pepco Residential Aid Discount (RAD) - Program for income-eligible DC customers to receive a credit on their electric bill for distribution charges.

Arrearage Management Program (AMP) - Program to forgive past-due energy debt if new bills are paid on time (may require LIHEAP approval or participation in Pepco’s RAD program) for income-eligible customers. 1/12th of old debt is forgiven with credits applied monthly and waived reconnection fees for terminated customers for every full, on-time monthly bill payment

Resources for Energy-savings Investments

District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) -  Community-minded organization committed to making energy efficiency and clean energy more accessible to every person and business in the District. The DCSEU offers a number of energy efficiency programs and services for DC homeowners and renters.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Federally funded program managed by the DC government that performs energy audits and installs audit-recommended energy efficiency measures and water conservation measures to help families maintain energy-efficient, safe, and healthy homes.

DCPSC Winter + Summer Weatherization - Annual campaigns that provide DC residents with information on how to save energy and reduce their energy bills and prepare for seasonal storms during the winter and summer.

• Winter Ready DC - offers free home weatherization kits

• Summer Ready DC 

Resources for Solar

DC Solar for All - This is a DC government program to provide the benefits of solar energy to income-eligible households who can’t install solar on their home. This program provides a reduced rate on electricity while also supporting DC’s clean energy goals. 

• Unfortunately, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by the Trump Administration in July 2025, the program has lost significant funding. It is still in operation, but has an incredibly long wait time.

Community Solar Program - A part of Solar For All Program, this provides renters and homeowners, who don’t want/can’t install solar panels on their roof, with avenues to switch to solar power. Community Solar is cheaper and cleaner than other alternatives.

• Here is a link explaining how community solar works: ​​https://www.energysage.com/community-solar/

• Here is a link to apply for Community Solar through the DOEE: https://octo.quickbase.com/db/bpe669g3t?a=nwr&ifv=1 

Important Reminders:

• You don’t have to choose just one program. Many people get help from several at the same time.

• Have essential documents ready (photo ID, proof of income or lack of income, your most recent utility bills, proof of residence, etc.).

• Apply as soon as you are having trouble paying your bill.

• If you are denied, you have the right to appeal.