Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal | State | Utility | Charitable
Federal
LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 1-800-775-0516
Senior Helpline: 1-800-642-5119
Website
LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts Website
LIHEAP FY 2024 Funding
$20,754,850
*including additional $572,411 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
60% State Median Income
LIHEAP FY 2024 Benefit
Heating: $21 minimum, $2,703 maximum
Crisis: $742 maximum
LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2020
Heating: 26,380
Winter/Year-round Crisis: 3,420
Weatherization: 283
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: Year-round
Crisis: November 6 - April 30
Weatherization: Year-round
State
Low-Income Rate Assistance
General Assistance provides emergency help to meet basic needs, including fuel and utilities. Eligible are persons with little or no income and resources who are unable to work or who have employment barriers. Also persons who have experienced a crisis such as a fire, flood, death in the family or eviction may be eligible. Individuals must apply in person at district offices when they have an emergency. 1-800-479-6151
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
The Weatherization Trust Fund, established in 1990, is funded by a 0.5 percent gross receipts tax on regulated utilities and all fuels except wood. The trust fund has raised about $3 million annually to supplement the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program.
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Green Mountain Power (GMP)
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Eligible households (up to 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines) can receive a 25 percent discount off their monthly bills for the first 600 kilowatt hours used. Applications can be received by contacting the Vermont Agency of Human Services Benefits Service Center at 1-800-775-0516 or going to the website below. Submit your completed application and a copy of your most recent electric bill to:
DCF — Economic Services Division Application & Document Processing Center 280 State Drive Waterbury VT 05671-1500 http://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/eap/GMP
Vermont Gas
Low Income Energy Program (LIAP)
A 20 percent discount on bills is available to eligible customers. Households with incomes no greater than 185 percent of the federal poverty level, or that meet income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP assistance, are eligible for the discount.
Eligibility will be determined by the Department for Children and Families Energy Assistance Office. Please contact them at 1-800-775-0516 to obtain an application, or visit www.energyhelp.vt.gov.
Please note Vermont Gas cannot determine eligibility.
https://vermontgas.com/residential/assistance-programs/
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
A unique "energy efficiency utility" called Efficiency Vermont was created by the Vermont legislature and Vermont Public Service Board to provide energy efficiency services to low-income and other customers. The Low-Income Single Family Program provides electric efficiency improvements to eligible customers of Vermont's electric utilities (except in Burlington) who are actively enrolled in the federal Weatherization Assistance Program. Measures include energy efficiency lighting, refrigerator replacement, and water heater efficiency measures. Also provides energy efficiency measures to owners, managers and developers of multi-family housing units.
1-888-921-5990
www.efficiencyvermont.com
Green Mountain Power
Offers free weatherization service to low-income households through local weatherization agencies. Qualified technicians come to your home and inspect the heating system, make any necessary repairs, insulate, and seal air leaks. To see if you are income-eligible or to apply, call:
CVOEO - 800-287-7971 (Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle counties)
CAA - 800-639-1053 (Lamoille, Orange, Washington)
SEVCA - 800-464-9951 (Windham, Windsor)
NETO - 802-748-8935 (Caldonia, Essex, Orleans)
BEN-Rut - 802-775-0878 (Bennington, Rutland)
For any additional questions: State Economic Opportunity Office 1-802-241-2450
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
WARMTH
The WARMTH Support Program uses funds donated by concerned Vermonters to help low-income families pay their energy costs. All contributions go directly to fuel suppliers; administrative costs are funded by participating fuel dealers and utilities. WARMTH funds are available when a household has exhausted its supply of fuel or faces disconnection of utility services. Funds are only available when an individual has not been able to find sufficient help through other channels. Application can be made at any of Vermont's five community action agencies.
Capstone Community Action. 802-479-1053
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, Inc. 802-862-2771
North East Kingdom Community Action 802-334-7316
Southeastern Vermont Community Action, Inc. 800-464-9951
Vermont Community Action Directors Association 802-775-0878
1-800-287-7971
