Pennsylvania Electric Bill Assistance
Asking for help from one of these Pennsylvania electric bill assistance providers can mean much more than keeping your lights on. It can also save you from the extra costs associated with reconnection.
The power company may sometimes seem unfriendly when you are late with payments. They may even disconnect your power when you fall too far behind. Nonetheless, electric utilities are often one of the best sources of charitable assistance when you find it impossible to pay your power bill. Whether you are a Dominion Peoples, PECO, Penn Power, Pennsylvania Power & Light, or one of the other electricity providers in Pennsylvania, there is a charitable program that is partially funded by the utility company itself. Contact your power company to request more information on
electric bill assistance for low income families.
While some help comes in the form of reduced future power bills, emergency help is also available. This can be especially valuable when you are facing a financial emergency that causes you to be unable to make your payments for a temporary period of time.
Federal funding is also available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP funds are distributed through local agencies that handle eligibility screening. The average benefit per Pennsylvania household is around $453 a year, making this a valuable benefit for lower income families.
To qualify, your household must be categorized as low income. While each state has different qualifications, Pennsylvania restricts benefits to households living below 160% of the federal poverty level. Pennsylvania authorities estimate that only about 40% of households eligible for electric bill assistance through the LIHEAP program actually apply for help.
Help is provided in two ways. Cash grants can be applied to winter electricity bills. Customers do not have to be in imminent danger of disconnection to be approved. If disconnection has been threatened through a notice, then crisis grants can be made to prevent a shut-off.
If you are experiencing financial problems, it can help to take advantage of
electric bill assistance programs that keep your lights on. That money you just saved could go towards keeping your family fed or being able to make your car payment on time.