Avista bill pay assistance programs can help you cover your past-due balance and even reduce your future bills! If you’re struggling to keep your utilities connected, there are several programs available that may be able to help you.
In this article, we’re going to review the various government programs, company initiatives and nonprofits that can help you pay your Avista bill.
Government Programs
There are several state and federal government programs that can provide Avista bill pay assistance. These include initiatives like LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides financial assistance to eligible low-income households to help manage the cost of heating and cooling their homes. LIHEAP funding can help cover utility bill payments and may offer emergency services in cases of energy crisis, such as utility shutoffs.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Offers energy efficiency modifications to low-income households to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort while ensuring health and safety. The program may include insulation, weather stripping, and repairs or replacement of inefficient heating and cooling systems.
- Disconnection Moratoriums: Many areas protect customers from disconnection during severe weather events. For example, Idaho has special winter rules that protect customers who are sick, elderly or include young children from having their utilities disconnected between December 1 and February 28. You will need to contact your state’s utility commission for details.
These programs ensure that low income customers have basic protections and access to financial assistance when they cannot afford their Avista bills.
Avista Bill Pay Assistance Programs
The company also offers several Avista bill pay assistance programs that can help you. If you can’t afford the full cost of your bill or if you need help managing your ongoing expenses, here are some ways that Avista may be able to help:
- My Energy Discount Program: Oregon and Washington residents may be able to reduce their energy bills with the My Energy Discount Program. You may be eligible based on income and household size. It’s easy to apply online.
- Payment Arrangements: Avista offers flexible payment plans for customers facing financial difficulties, accessible online.
- Comfort Level Billing: This program averages your annual energy usage into 12 equal monthly payments for predictable billing. This helps eliminate seasonal highs and lows in your utility bills.
- Preferred Due Date: You can choose your own billing date so that your bill aligns with your payday.
These programs help Avista customers manage their bills more effectively.
Nonprofits that Pay Avista Bills
Of course, there are many different organizations that can help you pay your Avista bills as well. These include:
Avista CARES provides options for elderly, disabled, or financially-challenged customers. Call them at (800) 277-9187 or email them at [email protected].
Catholic Charities is another key organization providing financial assistance across a spectrum of needs, with utility bill support being one of the many services offered. Their mission is to offer compassionate aid and resources to people in need, regardless of their faith.
Community Action Agencies offer a range of services including utility bill assistance. Find yours on the Washington State’s Community Action Partnership website.
Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) provides assistance to households in Adams, Grant, or Upper Yakima County. They can help with water and electric bills for all 3 counties and can provide rental assistance for Upper Yakima County residents. If you need help, you can contact them directly for assistance. They provide both in-person and remote services.
Rural Resources serves residents in Northeastern Washington with energy assistance programs. You can apply online or by phone.
The Salvation Army offers a broad range of emergency assistance programs, including support for those struggling to pay their utility bills. They work to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families in crisis through financial aid and counseling services.
SNAP WA serves Spokane County residents. This organization can help you with energy, water, and shelter assistance, furnace repair, air cooling and purification, Emergency Project Share, Avista Discounts, and U-Help. If you think you may fall behind on your payments, you can make an energy appointment by calling 509-242-3276 or visiting the SNAP WA website.
United Way connects people with resources through their 211 service, offering access to local assistance programs including help with utility bills. This service acts as a bridge between individuals seeking help and the organizations that can provide it.
Relief Recap
If you need Avista bill pay assistance, there are many government programs and nonprofits that can help you with your expenses. You will need to contact the organizations on this list in order to get financial assistance. Many of these programs distribute funds on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay. Apply right away!
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.