Through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the federal government distributes funds to the various states including the District of Columbia, who then gives grants to qualified applicants to help them pay their energy bills. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, states were provided additional funds to the amount of $900M to provide payment assistance for qualified applicants. In Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, there is $45 million available to qualified households.
Eligibility factors include household size, total household income, heating source and type of dwelling.
See below for contact information or find your state’s online LIHEAP application.
District of Columbia
Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
For information on LIHEAP, available funding and eligibility for assistance programs, contact:
District of Columbia – Department of Energy & Environment Office | phone: 202-673-6750 or 311 | website: ddeo.dc.gov
Residential Essential Service (RES)
Qualified customers receive a discount on a portion of the natural gas they use during the heating season. To be eligible for the RES discount, customers must use natural gas as the principal source for home heating and be certified by the Department of Energy & Environment Office as eligible for the LIHEAP and the RES programs.
Residential Essential Services information
Weatherization Assistance
District of Columbia residents can apply for repair and replacement of home heating and cooling systems and installation of energy-saving measures.
For more information, call the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment Office at 202-673-6750, or visit the Department of Energy & Environment.
Maryland
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
For information on LIHEAP, available funding and eligibility for assistance programs, contact:
Office of Home Energy Programs – Maryland – Department of Human Services
phone: 800-332-6347 | website: dhr.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
Residents eligible for MEAP are eligible for USPP and can receive a natural gas bill for the same amount each month. Payment plans depend on natural gas usage from the previous year and the outstanding balance owed on the customer’s gas bill. Customers must complete applications for MEAP in their county.
EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP)
This program provides home weatherization services like weather-stripping, caulking, plastic window covering and gas furnace tune-up and replacement, at no cost to eligible families. Repairs and upgrades to a home can significantly reduce energy use throughout the year, which can give you a more comfortable home, lower monthly power bills, and improve air quality and family health. Maryland’s EmPOWER Program helps low-income households with the installation of materials and equipment at no charge. For more information or to apply, contact the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development at 855-583-8976 or visit https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/Facts/empower.aspx
Virginia
Virginia Energy Assistance Program (VEAP)
For information on LIHEAP, available funding and eligibility for assistance programs, contact:
Virginia – Virginia Department of Social Services | phone: 800-230-6977 or 211 | website: dss.virginia.gov
If you are in need of available health and human services in Virginia, call 211 | website: 211virginia.org.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides funds for qualifying families to help finance repairs and improvements to home heating and cooling systems and covers the cost of installing energy-saving measures in the home. The goal of the program is to increase the energy efficiency of housing occupied by low-income persons and reduce their total residential energy expenditures. However, this program does not offer assistance with paying utility bills.
For more information, contact the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) at 804-371-7000 or visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov. DHCD does not provide application forms and does not accept applications directly. Visit the Weatherization Providers Listing to find a list of local agencies that service the city or county in which you live.
Virginia Low Income Energy Audit & Weatherization Program
The Virginia Low-Income Energy Audit and Weatherization Program is designed to reduce heating and water heating costs for income-qualifying families in Washington Gas’ Virginia service territory by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The program provides energy efficiency services for affordable housing units in multifamily complexes and single-family homes. Go to www.dhcd.virginia.gov/wx for more information or call 1-888-229-3714.