Resources for high electric bills
Washingtonians everywhere are struggling with the high electric bills - and households are about to see another Pepco charge increase starting January 2026, resulting in a $3.80 bump on the average bill. Here are resources for lightening the burden of the ever-increasing cost of power:
Apply for LIHEAP
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs. Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $200 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit. This benefit is based on household size, total household income, heating source, and type of dwelling.
See the DOEE website on income eligibility and how to apply (both online and in person).
Apply for the Residential Aid Discount Program (RAD)
Funded by DC, Pepco offers low-income DC customers with high electric bills. The program helps pay for distribution charges (i.e. Pepco’s fee) so that households are typically only paying for the cost of energy itself.
Apply for RAD directly on the Pepco website, and find out if your household is eligible using the DOEE’s site.
Apply for the Utility Discount Program (UDP)
Run through the DC Government, this program looks to reduce energy costs for income-eligible DC residents.
See if your household is eligible and apply directly on the DOEE website.
Review if Solar for All can bring down your energy costs
DOEE partners with organizations to install solar on single family homes and develop community solar projects to benefit renters and residents in multi-family buildings.
See if you apply, how to engage your property owner, and more.
Review all of DC’s Utility Unaffordability Programs
Please visit the DOEE site for a catch-all page on utility programs, how to apply, and more information.
If you need direct assistance, simply call DOEE at (202) 535-2600 or email them at doee@dc.gov to connect with staff. For additional assistance, contact your Ward’s DC Councilmember by searching their website and contacting the Constituent Services staff member.