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Utility Assistance

Help with water, electric, gas, and energy bills

7 programs available
Last updated: September 2026

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Federal program providing financial assistance for home energy costs including heating and cooling bills.

👤Who Qualifies

DC residents with income at or below 60% of State Median Income. For a family of 4, this is approximately $69,672/year.

💵How Much

$250 - $1,800 per heating season

📝How to Apply

Apply online at doee.dc.gov/liheap or visit a DC Department of Energy & Environment office. Applications typically open in October.

📞Contact

DOEE: (202) 673-6700

DC Water CAP+ (Customer Assistance Program Plus)

Provides significant water bill discounts for low-income DC residents. The most comprehensive water assistance program.

👤Who Qualifies

Household income at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Must be DC Water account holder.

💵How Much

Up to 75% discount on water and sewer bills

📝How to Apply

Apply online at dcwater.com/cap or call DC Water Customer Service.

📞Contact

DC Water: (202) 354-3600

CRIAC Residential Relief Program

Provides relief for the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) portion of your water bill.

👤Who Qualifies

Low-income DC residential customers who pay a water bill directly to DC Water.

💵How Much

Up to 75% reduction in CRIAC charges

📝How to Apply

Apply through DC Department of Energy & Environment.

📞Contact

DOEE: (202) 673-6700

Pepco RAD (Residential Aid Discount)

Monthly discount on Pepco electric bills for income-qualified DC residents.

👤Who Qualifies

Household income at or below 150% of federal poverty level. Automatic enrollment if receiving SNAP, LIHEAP, or SSI.

💵How Much

Approximately 35% discount on electric bill

📝How to Apply

Apply through Pepco or automatically enrolled if receiving qualifying benefits.

📞Contact

Pepco: 1-800-936-7000

Pepco Customer Relief Fund

One-time emergency grant to help pay past-due Pepco electric bills.

👤Who Qualifies

DC residents with past-due Pepco bills who are experiencing financial hardship.

💵How Much

Up to $500 toward past-due balance

📝How to Apply

Contact Pepco Customer Service or apply through the Salvation Army.

📞Contact

Pepco: 1-800-936-7000

Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF)

Emergency assistance for natural gas heating bills administered through the Salvation Army.

👤Who Qualifies

Low-income DC residents with Washington Gas accounts facing financial hardship.

💵How Much

Up to $500 toward gas bill

📝How to Apply

Contact the Salvation Army of Greater Washington.

📞Contact

Salvation Army: (202) 332-5000

Utility Discount Program (UDP/AMP)

Arrearage Management Program helps customers pay down past-due utility balances while maintaining current payments.

👤Who Qualifies

DC residents with past-due utility balances who demonstrate ability to make current payments.

💵How Much

Forgiveness of portion of past-due balance over 12 months

📝How to Apply

Contact your utility provider directly.

📞Contact

Pepco: 1-800-936-7000 | Washington Gas: 1-844-927-4427

Disclaimer: Program details may change. Always verify eligibility requirements and benefit amounts directly with official program sources before applying.

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