We’ve found LES bill pay assistance programs and grants for customers of Lincoln Electric System in Nebraska! These programs can help you save money on your bills.
In this article, we’ll explore the various options available to LES customers who are seeking financial aid. From payment arrangements to community resources, we’ll guide you through the process of identifying and applying for the assistance you need.
Whether you’re facing a temporary setback or require ongoing support, our comprehensive guide is tailored to provide you with the necessary information to ease your financial burden and keep your electricity running smoothly.
LES Bill Pay Assistance
Finding financial relief for your electricity bills can be crucial, especially during times of financial hardship. Lincoln Electric System (LES) offers a range of assistance programs for its customers in Nebraska. These programs are designed to help you manage and potentially reduce your electricity bills.
Budget Billing
LES offers Budget Billing, a program designed to stabilize your monthly electricity bill payments. By averaging your annual electricity usage, LES provides a consistent bill amount each month. This program may help reduce your bill during the more expensive seasons but it will mean that you pay more during seasons that are typically more affordable, since you will be averaging your usage over an entire year.
LES recalculates your budget bill every six months, which may vary based on your past year’s usage and any outstanding balances or credits.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: To be eligible for Budget Billing, you must have been residing at your current address for at least 12 months and be up-to-date on your electric bill payments.
HOW TO GET HELP: You can sign up for Budget Billing on the LES website.
Payment Arrangements
LES understands that each customer’s financial situation is unique. They offer personalized payment arrangements to those who might fall behind on their energy bills.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Any LES customer who is going through a hard time can request a payment arrangement. The arrangements offered will vary depending on your account history and circumstances.
HOW TO GET HELP: To discuss and set up a payment arrangement that suits your needs, you should contact LES’s Customer Service.
Third-Party Notification
In situations where there’s a risk of service disconnection due to unpaid bills, LES allows you to designate a third party (a family member, friend, or neighbor) to receive disconnect notices as well. This doesn’t require them to pay your bill but it lets them know you’re having a hard time.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Any LES customer can designate a third party to be notified if disconnect notices are issued.
HOW TO GET HELP: You will need to contact LES Customer Service to tell them who should receive these notifications.
Government LES Assistance
There are several government assistance programs that can help with your LES bills, as well. These programs include LIHEAP, Weatherization Assistance and more!
LIHEAP Heating Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is offered by the Department of Health and Human Services. The Heating Assistance Program provides LES bill pay assistance by issuing a grant toward the cost of your utilities. This program is available between October 1st and March 31st of each year.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: You must have an income that is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and receive a home energy bill in your name to qualify.
HOW TO APPLY: You can apply online using the iServe Nebraska system, over the phone by calling ACCESS Nebraska, or in person at your local DHHS office.
LIHEAP Cooling Assistance
LIHEAP also offers help during the summer months, too. You may be able to receive an additional grant toward your LES bills between June 1st and August 31st if you meet the requirements for this program.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: You must have at least one person in your household who is over age 70, or under age 6 and receiving ADC benefits, or who has a severe illness or condition that is aggravated by extreme heat, or who has received an air conditioner from DHHS within the last four years. You must also meet the LIHEAP heating assistance requirements.
HOW TO APPLY: You can apply online using the iServe Nebraska system, over the phone by calling ACCESS Nebraska, or in person at your local DHHS office.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance
If you are unable to pay your LESS bill because of an unexpected situation, you may be able to get help year-round through the LIHEAP Crisis Assistance program. This program provides a grant that can cover your late payment, deposits and reconnect fees if you qualify.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: You must meet the LIHEAP Heating Assistance requirements. You also need to be in a crisis, which means you were unable to pay your bill within the last 90 days due to an unexpected problem. These problems could include unexpected medical bills, loss of work hours, an injury or illness, death or departure of a household member, etc.
HOW TO APPLY: You can apply online using the iServe Nebraska system, over the phone by calling ACCESS Nebraska, or in person at your local DHHS office.
Other LIHEAP Assistance
The LIHEAP program can also provide up to $750 toward the repair or replacement of your furnace or air conditioning system. They may be able to provide you with a fan or window air conditioner as well.
Nebraska Weatherization Assistance Program
The Nebraska Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides services to make homes more energy-efficient, thereby reducing your energy bills. When my family received help from WAP in Washington State, our bills dropped from $650 per month to less than $150 per month!
That’s because this program offers many different types of highly-effective weatherization services, including adding insulation to your attic, walls, floors. They can also conduct efficiency inspections on furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and install weatherproofing measures like sealing windows and doors.
The services you receive will be unique to your home. Homes undergo an energy audit to identify cost-effective improvements. During the audit, a professional will identify the upgrades that will have the biggest impact on your energy bills. The work may include caulking and weatherstripping for air leakage control, and blower door tests to assess air tightness.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: In order to be eligible, you must have a household income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. If you receive ADC or SSI, you are considered automatically eligible.
HOW TO APPLY: You will need to contact the organization in your area that administers this program. This will usually be your Community Action Agency. There’s a map that can help you find yours on the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy page.
Churches & Charities that Help
There are many nonprofits, churches and charities that may be able to provide LES bill pay assistance as well. These programs can provide grants and other supportive services to help you pay your bill.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Catholic Social Services can provide financial assistance with rent, utilities and other essential needs through their Family Support Services Program.
In order to get help, you need to call (402) 327-6211 on Monday morning. They make appointments for the first 10 callers each week, so call as close to 9am as possible in order to get help.
You can only receive financial assistance from this organization once per year. Appointments are limited and will only be scheduled for the day after you call.
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties
If you need LES bill pay assistance, then the Community Action Partnership may be able to help. They provide financial assistance with rent and utilities to people in the Lincoln area. You’ll need to call (402) 471-4515 to speak to their Emergency Services coordinators.
The Community Action Partnership also administers the Weatherization Assistance Program for the Lancaster County area. This program, as described above, can help you reduce your ongoing energy bills.
This organization also offers a number of other assistance programs that may be able to help you, including financial coaching, a matched savings program, and more.
Lincoln Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Lincoln, Nebraska, helps low-income residents with their utility bills and other essential needs. They help around 300 households per year with their utility bills!
If you are low income, this organization may also be able to provide items like clothing, diapers, and even aid for urgent expenses such as medical bills and car repairs. They also run seasonal programs like providing fans in summer and school supplies in the fall.
St. Vincent de Paul Council
The Lincoln SVDP Council is another vital organization in Lincoln, Nebraska, offering utility assistance to those in need. They work alongside the community to ensure that individuals and families facing financial hardships receive support with their utility bills, preventing tough choices between basic needs like heating and food. They make a meaningful impact by providing essential help to keep homes warm and lights on for those who require assistance.
Relief Recap
If you need LES bill pay assistance, there are a plethora of resources available to you. From government initiatives to local charitable organizations, there are various avenues you can explore to alleviate the financial burden of your bill. These entities may cover the entirety or a portion of your bill, ensuring that you can maintain your essential utilities and a comfortable living environment, even when facing financial constraints. If you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the providers listed here – they are here to help!
Low Income Relief Team
This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.