How to Get a Discount on Your Electricity Bill

Are you eligible for a discount on your electricity bill?! We’ve found discounts for seniors, veterans, and low income customers all over the United States but the answer will depend on who your electric provider is.

Of course, there are ways you can cut back on your electricity usage… but the best way to save might come directly from your electricity provider!

From free appliances to budget billing, most utility companies offer services that can help their customers save money. We’ve found secret programs that can give you monthly discounts, provide $10,000+ in FREE home improvements and so much more! It’s the easiest way to learn how to save on your electric bill!

In 2015, I bought a home in another town and I was suddenly faced with power bills that were over $1,000 per month! I was shocked and I couldn’t afford it… so I called our power company and asked for help. I discovered TONS of programs that I never knew existed!

The company even sent a representative who evaluated our home, recommended cost-saving measures and even gave us two free shower-heads and about a dozen free LED light bulbs! The representative also told us how we could get a new refrigerator and washing machine absolutely free.

About a year later, we discovered another program offered through our local Community Action Council that installed over $18,000 in FREE home improvements and energy-efficiency products (including a new air conditioner)!

We were also able to get more than $2,000 in pledges to help lower our bills. A variety of community resources, including our county veteran’s office and even Child Protective Services contributed toward our bill. It was such a blessing because we couldn’t cover that debt on our own.

These programs SAVED my budget… and I bet similar ones could help yours, too!

That’s why I’ve been on a mission to research and write about every power company in the US. I’ve discovered all sorts of helpful programs during my research, including monthly discounts, free weatherization programs, moratoriums that prevent your power from being disconnected, programs that forgive your past-due balance and so much more!

Electric Bill Discount Programs

There are a number of ways that you can get a discount on your electricity bill. However, these programs usually aren’t widely advertised and you often have to ask about them.

Electric Company Discounts

After researching countless power companies across the United States, I’ve discovered that many of them have discounts for seniors, veterans, or low income members of their community.

This is more common at small municipal power companies and Public Utility Districts (PUDs) instead of large providers. However, it never hurts to ask your utility provider if you can get a discount on your electricity bill! The worst they can do is say no.

Even if they can’t provide you with a discount, your utility company usually knows which agencies in your area can provide help with your utility bill. This can be extremely helpful if you get a bill you can’t afford to pay!

LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a nationwide program that helps low income people pay their utility bills. If you rely on electricity and meet the income guidelines, you could receive an annual grant toward your bill.

This money is paid directly to your utility provider. You won’t get the cash yourself, but the credit will appear on your bill and reduce the amount you owe so it functions like a discount on your electric bill.

To apply for LIHEAP, you usually need to reach out to your local Community Action Council to apply. There are income limits, and the income limits depend on your household size.

Get More Help with Your Electricity Bill

There are other programs that can help with your electricity bill, too!

Home Weatherization Program

I can’t say enough good things about the Weatherization Program. This program is usually administered by the same office that helps with LIHEAP, so you can usually apply for both programs at the same time.

This is the program that helped us reduce our power bills from about $650 per month to about $150 per month in 2016. It made a bigger difference for us than any other discount on our electricity bill could!

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities can often help with utility bills. There are Catholic Charities all over America, but each location operates their program a little differently.

Sometimes you might find yourself being forced to choose between feeding your family, paying rent, or keeping the heat on in the winter or the electricity running in the summer. We believe no one should ever be forced to make this difficult choice.

Catholic Charities Community Services of New York

If you need help with your utility bills, it never hurts to reach out to Catholic Charities for assistance.

Salvation Army

Many Salvation Army chapters can also assist with power bills, especially if you have a shut-off notice already. Like Catholic Charities, this organization operates in local chapters with varying services so it will depend on where you live.

If you need help with your electricity bill, it never hurts to ask Salvation Army if they can help or if they know where you can turn for help.

St. Vincent de Paul

Many St. Vincent de Paul parishes have funding available to help with crisis situations. To get help, you will usually need to have a shut-off notice already.

Funding from these churches is usually limited to $150 or less, and you often need to have already secured the rest of the money you need before they will pay the remainder.

211

When all else fails, you can usually call 211 to find more agencies in your area that can help you. If you live in New York City, the number is actually 311.

This will connect you to the United Way’s helpline. You’ll be connected with trained volunteers who have access to a detailed resource directory. They can help you find any agencies in your area that can assist with your specific needs.

How to Get Help with YOUR Bill

Depending on your electric provider, there may be even more discounts and services available to you. We’re doing our best to research companies all over the United States and find ways that you can get help with your bill.

You’ll find an alphabetized state list below. Scroll through to find your state!

Alabama

Alabama has many power companies, including Alabama Power, Decatur Utilities, Dixie Electric Cooperative and more.

Arizona

Arizona’s power companies range from city utilities, like the City of Mesa, to larger providers like APS and SRP. Check it out!

Arkansas

From American Electric Power to SWEPCO and more, we’ve investigated many companies in Arkansas. Click here to see what we’ve found.

California

California residents can save money on Southern California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE), and more.

Colorado

We haven’t listed very many Colorado providers yet. Leave us a comment with your Colorado power company so we can add it to the research list.  See what we’ve found so far!

Connecticut

Wondering how to save on your electric bill in Connecticut? Here’s what we’ve found so far:

• EverSource

Delaware

If you’re wrestling with big power bills in this small state, we’re here to help! Check this list and let us know if your company is missing!

Florida

We get a lot of requests for power companies in Florida! From Orlando Utilities Commission to Florida Power and Light, we’ve got a long list of Florida power companies right here.

Georgia

Need to know how to save on your electric bill in Georgia? We’ve got the scoop on Georgia Power and other Georgia power companies right here.

Hawaii

Living in Hawaii is expensive enough. You don’t need to worry about sky-high electric bills! Find your provider below for details on how you could start saving money.

• HELCO

Idaho

Idaho customers can save money on their utility bills, too! Learn what programs are available from your Idaho companies here.

Illinois 

We’ve investigated a mix of electricity and gas companies throughout Illinois! Check this list and see if we’ve covered your company!

Indiana

From American Electric Power (AEP) to Vectren, we’ve got a long list of Indiana electric providers! If you’re trying to figure out how to save money on your electric bill in Indiana, this list should help.

Iowa

We’ve got the scoop on power companies in Iowa! From Access to MidAmerican, see if we’ve covered your Iowa power company here!

Kansas

Kansas companies, such as Kansas Gas and Westar Energy, offer money-saving programs, too! Find out how to save on your electric bill in Kansas here.

Kentucky

We’ve written about a lot of companies in Kentucky, including American Electric Power, Duke Energy, Kentucky Power and so much more. See if we’ve written about your Kentucky provider here.

Louisiana

Louisiana customers of CLECO, SWEPCO, and all the other COs can save money on their utilities, too! Here’s our list of Louisiana providers. If you don’t see yours, let us know and we’ll add it to the research list.

Maine

We’ve written about a few companies in Maine but I’m sure we’re missing a bunch. If you don’t see yours on this list, be sure to let me know so we can add it!

Maryland

Some of our readers have requested Maryland power companies, so we’ve got information on Baltimore Gas and Electric, SMECO, and more. Here’s the list we’ve researched so far:

• Baltimore Gas and Electric 
• Delmarva
• Green Mountain Energy
• Just Energy
• PEPCO
• Potomac Edison
• Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative

Massachusetts 

If you’re a customer of Eversource, National Grid, or another company, here’s how to save on your electric bill in Massachusetts!

Michigan

We’ve written about a lot of Michigan power bills! From American Electric Power to XCel Energy, you can find a list of Michigan energy providers right here.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, we’ve researched the following companies:

• CenterPoint Energy
• Connexus Energy
• MN Power
• Otter Tail Power
• XCel Energy

Mississippi

We’ve written about Mississippi power and more! To see if we’ve written about your company, check this list. Let me know if you don’t see yours!

Missouri

We don’t have many Missouri power companies in our list yet, so be sure to leave us a comment with your company name! We’re happy to add it to our research list and see what we can find.

Montana

Montana Dakota Utilities can’t be the only provider in Montana, right? Check here to see the companies we’ve researched in Montana so far and let me know if yours isn’t on the list yet!

Nebraska

Wondering how to save on your electric bill in Nebraska? This is the list you’re looking for! 

Nevada

Nevada customers can save money on their utilities, too! Here’s what we’ve found in Nevada so far.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a small state with big savings! Find out how to save on your electric bill in New Hampshire here.

New Jersey

Another little state with big savings! New Jersey customers can learn how to save on their electric bill in their state by checking out this list.

New Mexico

We’ve only had a few New Mexico requests, so our list is still fairly small. Check it out and let me know if you use a different provider!

New York

There are a ton of different electricity providers in New York! If you’re wondering how to save on your electric bill in New York, all you have to do is select your provider from this list!

North Carolina

From Dominion to South River, we’ve found a lot of providers in North Carolina that offer awesome savings programs! Check out what we’ve found!

North Dakota

You could save on Montana Dakota Utilities, XCel Energy, and more! If you’re a North Dakota energy consumer, you can’t afford to miss this.

Ohio

We’ve spent a lot of time researching power companies in Ohio! If you’re looking for more information about how to save on your electric bill in Ohio, this is the list you want.

Oklahoma

We have had many requests for help in Oklahoma, so we’ve got a long list of providers already written up. As always, just let me know if you don’t see yours in this list!

Oregon

Our Oregon readers can learn how to save on your electric bill by visiting this list of Oregon energy providers! We’ve got several on our list. If you don’t see yours, just let me know!

Pennsylvania

Save money on your Pennsylvania power bills with this information. We’ve found help from several providers in this state!

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a tiny state with big savings! If you’re wondering how to save on your electric bill in Rhode Island, here’s the information you’re looking for!

South Carolina

If you’re looking to save money in South Carolina, we’ve found assistance from big companies like Duke Energy and little coops like Laurens Electric Cooperative! See the full list here.

South Dakota

South Dakota customers can save money with MidAmerican Energy, Montana Dakota Utilities, XCel Energy, and other providers! We’ve got instructions on how to save on your electric bill in South Dakota here.

Tennessee

We’ve written about several providers in Tennessee! We’ve got big providers that serve a lot of customers, like Cleveland Utilities, and smaller coops that only serve a few. See if we’ve written about your company by clicking here. If you can’t find it on the list, let me know!

Texas

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including our list of energy providers! If you need information on how to save on your electric bill in Texas, this list should surely help.

Utah

Whether you’re a customer of Rocky Mountain Power, Dominion Energy, or some other provider, this list of Utah energy providers has info that can help you!

Vermont

We don’t have many providers in Vermont yet! If you’re a Vermont resident, let us know what power companies we can research for you and we’ll get them added to the list!

Virginia

We only have a few providers in Virginia right now.  If you’re a Virginia resident, let us know what power companies we can research for you and we’ll get them added to the list!

Washington 

Since we originally served Washington State only, this list is the most comprehensive one on the site! If you live in Washington and you want to know how to save on your electric bill, you can’t afford to miss this!

Washington DC

Washington DC residents can save money on their PEPCO bill!

West Virginia

We have completed the research for the following companies in West Virginia:

• American Electric Power (AEP)
• Dominion Energy
• Mon Power
• Potomoc Edison

Wisconsin

Wisconsin customers can save money on their bills from We Energies, Xcel Energy, and more! Here’s the full list.

Wyoming

Wondering how to save on your electric bill in Wyoming? Here’s what we’ve found from your local Wyoming providers. 

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the owner and lead researcher for Low Income Relief. She has over 20 years of professional research and writing experience, and she has been solely dedicated to investigating low income topics for the last 10 years. Nicole started Low Income Relief after a personal experience with poverty. When her husband was medically discharged from the US Army, their family experienced tremendous financial hardship. Nicole was able to gather help from multiple community agencies and move into a nearby low income housing unit in just two weeks! Since then, Nicole has been dedicated to helping low income families in crisis. She regularly spends hundreds of hours combing through countless resources to make sure that Low Income Relief has the most comprehensive and complete resource directories on the internet today. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. Her work has been featured in various print and online publications, including USA Today, The Daily Herald, The Chronicle and more. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications.