Easy Ways to Get Help with Your Electric Bill in Utah

If you need help with your electric bill in Utah, there are many different programs that can provide relief. From government assistance programs to local charities, there are many options available to you.

In this article, we will review all of the ways that you can get help with your electric bill in Utah. We’ll provide a basic overview of eligibility as well as application instructions so that you can get the help that you need.

Government Assistance Programs

If you need help with your electric bill in Utah, one of the first places you should turn is to your state government’s assistance programs. These include things like LIHEAP and the Weatherization Program.

Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT)

In Utah, the LIHEAP program is called the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) Program. This program can help low income customers pay water and electric bills in Utah.

In order to be eligible for HEAT, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• You must be a Utah state resident.
• You must be a residential electric customer.
• You must have a household income that is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• You must have at least one adult in your household.
• You must have at least one US citizen or qualified non-citizen in your household.

The program is available year-round, so you can apply at any time of year. However, the federal LIHEAP funds are disbursed on October 1 and usually run out before the end of the LIHEAP year. That means that you are more likely to get assistance if you apply in early October. If you wait to apply until late August, it is likely that the funds will be depleted. (That being said, it’s always worth a shot to apply. I received help from my state’s LIHEAP program in late July one year!)

Early access is provided to certain eligible households. If one of your household members is disabled, over age 60 or under age 6, then you can apply as early as October 1 each year. Otherwise, the rest of Utah’s low income residents have to wait to apply until November 1st.

There are three ways to apply for this program:

• You can apply online using the Utah Jobs website.
• You can print an application and mail it in.
• You can call the HEAT program at (866) 205-4357.

Moratorium Law

In Utah, there is a moratorium law that protects certain people from having their utilities disconnected between November 15 and March 15. However, there are things that you need to do in order to use this program.

In order to be eligible, you must meet these requirements:

• Your household must have a residential utility account with a company that is regulated by the Public Service Commission.
• You must have a disconnect notice from your utility company.
• You must have applied for HEAT.
• You must have applied for ARC utility assistance if you are over age 60, disabled, or have a disabled child living with you.
• You must try to pay your bill consistently even during the moratorium months.

If all of those things apply, then you only need to meet one more requirement from the following list in order to be protected by the moratorium.

Remember, only ONE of these things needs to be true:

• You have a gross household income that meets the income limits.
• You have experienced an emergency (medical or otherwise) either in the month you apply or the month before.
• You have lost your employment within the last month or two.
• You have a 50% drop in income in the last month or two.

If you are eligible for protection under the moratorium, you will need to contact the HEAT office.

Weatherization Assistance Program

If you typically receive a high electric bill in Utah, the Weatherization Assistance Program may be able to help. After all, this program is designed to reduce the overall cost of your bill by providing free energy-efficiency upgrades. In fact, the state says that households typically save 35% (or $583 per year) after participating in this program!

You may be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program if you meet the following requirements:

• You must be a Utah resident.
• You must have an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Because funding is limited, preference is given to households that have at least one elderly, disabled or preschool-age family member. Households with very high energy bills can also receive priority in some cases.

To apply for this program, you will need to contact the agency that administers the program in your area. These are the WAP program administrators in Utah:

More Help for Your Electric Bill in Utah

Of course, the government is the only option for help. You can also get help with your electric bill from local churches, charities and other resources.

Crossroads Urban Center

It is not immediately clear from their website if Crossroads Urban Center still offers utility assistance but many online resource directories claim that they do. You may want to reach out to them to see if this program is still active or if they know about any other places that can help with your electric bill in Utah.

Dominion Energy Bill Discount

If you are a Dominion Energy customer and you’re eligible for the HEAT program, then you may be able to get a one-time seasonal credit every year. You can also get the monthly EAF fee waived.

These changes should be automatically applied to your account after you receive HEAT benefits. Check your bill to be sure!

Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP)

The HELP Program provides low income Rocky Mountain Power customers with a monthly credit on their electric bills. In 2023, the credit was $13.95 per month.

You can apply for HELP at the same time that you apply for the HEAT program. However, you could also choose to print a separate application or call (801) 521-6107 for further assistance.

Iron County Care & Share

If you live in Iron County, you may be able to get help with your electric bill and other needs from Iron County Care and Share. This organization receives grants to help with security deposits, rent, utility deposits, utility payments and even application fees!

The Salvation Army

The Salt Lake City division of The Salvation Army provides utility assistance through three different programs. All of their programs require you to have a households income that is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.

The programs are as follows:

• REACH for Dominion Energy
• LEND A HAND for Rocky Mountain Power
• Project Water ASSIST for Salt Lake Corporation

The Salvation Army focuses on serving people who are low income and struggling to pay their bills. Whether you are having a hard time getting utilities set up at your new home or trying to avoid getting your existing service disconnected, they may be able to help you.

You can only receive utility assistance from The Salvation Army once per year.

Your Utility Provider

It’s weird but it’s true! If you’re struggling with your electric bill in Utah, one of the most effective ways to get help is to contact your utility provider. They may be able to help you with due date extensions, payment arrangements and even emergency financial assistance.

We have spent more than 10 years researching low income programs. You can choose your utility provider from the list below to see what we’ve found for you.

• Dominion Energy
• Rocky Mountain Power

Summary

There are many ways that you can get assistance with your electric bill in Utah. This article has shown many different ways that you can get help from the government, as well as local churches, charities and even your utility providers. If you need help with your bill, please contact one of these providers on this list.