If you need help with your electric bill in New Hampshire, there are many government agencies and nonprofit organizations that can provide assistance! There is help available that can help you pay your past-due bill, avoid disconnection and even reduce the amount of your future bills.
In this article, we’ll break down all the ways you can get help with your electric bill in New Hampshire. We’ll discuss government programs, nonprofit organizations and even some options available from your specific utility provider.
State Electric Bill Assistance
If you need help with an electric bill in New Hampshire, the first place you should look for help is the state. There are several programs available from the state government that can help you catch up on your bill.
Electric Assistance Program (EAP)
The Electric Assistance Program (EAP) provides eligible New Hampshire residents with a discount on their monthly bill. The discount will range between 8% and 76% depending on your household size and household income.
In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a household income that is at or below 60% of the state AMI.
- You must receive an electric bill from a regulated electric utility.
To apply, you will need to contact your local Community Action Agency. Once you are approved, you can receive this discount for up to 12 months. You will need to reapply every year if you are still eligible.
Emergency Energy Assistance
If you earn too much for the Electric Assistance Program but you’re still struggling to find the money for your electric bill in New Hampshire, then you may be eligible for the State of NH Emergency Energy Assistance program.
This program provides a one-time $200 credit toward your electric bill. It only happens once but it can make a big difference!
In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a household income that is between 60% and 75% of the state median income.
- You must receive an electric bill from a regulated electric utility.
To apply, you will need to contact your local Community Action Agency. That’s the same organization that runs the Electric Assistance Program described above.
Weatherization Assistance Program
If you are eligible for the Electric Assistance Program, then you may also be eligible for assistance through the Weatherization Assistance Program. While the EAP discounts your current bills, WAP also reduces the amount of your future bills by improving the energy efficiency of your home.
This program can do many things to help reduce your electric bill. Some of the potential services include:
- Adding insulation
- Repairing or replacing broken doors and windows
- Patching holes in walls
- HVAC maintenance
- Insulating pipes and ducts
- and more!
Although any New Hampshire resident with a household income below 60% of the state median income is eligible for service, certain groups get priority. You may be served faster if you have a household member who is elderly, disabled or under age 6. Households with very high energy costs are usually given priority as well.
Eligible homes receive $6,500 in home improvements on average.
In order to apply, you will need to contact your Community Action Council. You can apply for WAP at the same time that you apply for EAP!
More Help for Your Electric Bill in New Hampshire
Of course, the government isn’t the only place you can get help with your electric bill in New Hampshire. There are many nonprofit organizations, churches and charities that can help you pay your past-due balance.
Town Welfare
New Hampshire law requires every town and city to provide welfare programs for low income residents who need help. The law that requires this is called New Hampshire RSA 165. These funds are typically called Town Welfare or General Assistance.
The money from these funds can be used for a variety of necessary expenses, including your electric bill. You could also use the funds to pay for your rent, mortgage, food, clothing, transportation, prescriptions, diapers, security deposits, household supplies, or medical costs.
According to the law, it does not matter how long you have lived in the town. The town is not allowed to tell you to go back to where you lived before or send you elsewhere for assistance. You can contact legal aid if you feel that your town is not handling your situation appropriately.
To apply for town welfare, please contact your town or city hall. You will need to ask to speak to a welfare official, city manager or municipal director. Applications should be available during normal business hours.
British Charitable Society
You may be able to get help with your electric bill in New Hampshire from The British Charitable Society if you or a family member are a citizen of the UK or British Overseas Territories.
In order to be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be British or the child of a British person.
- You must live in one of these six New England states: CT, MA, ME, NH, RI or VT.
If you meet that criteria, then this organization may be able to provide you with financial assistance for your electric bill.
Listen Community Services
If you live in the Upper Valley, you may be able to get help from Heating Helpers! This organization helps people pay their electric bill or fuel delivery, or make emergency repairs required to maintain the heat in their homes.
In order to be eligible for this service, you must live in one of these areas:
- Canaan
- Dorchester
- Enfield
- Grafton
- Grantham
- Hanover/Etna
- Lebanon/West Lebanon
- Lyme/Lyme Center
- Meriden/Plainfield
- Orange
- Orford
- Springfield
You can get help from Heating Helpers once every 12 months. You will need to contact them at (603) 448-4553 to make an appointment.
Pelham Good Neighbor Fund
Since 1969, the Pelham Good Neighbor Fund has helped low income residents with emergency financial aid. They can help you with your electric bill. They also provide assistance with rent or mortgage payments, medical bills and food.
In order to be eligible, you must be a Pelham resident.
In order to apply, you will need to call them at (603) 386-1347 for assistance. According to their website, all information will be kept strictly confidential.
St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will often help with utility payments if you are threatened with disconnection. In order to be eligible, you may have to meet income guidelines or prove that you were denied for other services.
For example, the St. Vincent de Paul of Exeter requires that you provide a denial letter from your town welfare office before they will help you. They also require you to register as a SVdP Exeter client before you can receive assistance.
Get Help from Your Electric Provider
Of course, your electric provider may also offer different types of assistance. Some companies can adjust your due date, set up payment arrangements, or even connect you with organizations that will help pay your bill for you.
You can choose your utility provider from the list below to see how they can help you with your electric bill in New Hampshire.
Summary
There are many different government organizations and nonprofits that can help you pay your electric bill in New Hampshire. In this article, we discussed the government energy assistance programs as well as a variety of churches, charities and other organizations that can pay a portion of your past-due balance. To get help, just contact the agencies on this list!
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.