The electric bill can be a budget-buster when you’re surviving on a low income. Fortunately, your power company can usually help. There are several unknown or little-advertised programs that power companies may offer that can help lower the cost of your power bill.
Most power companies offer a budget billing plan, which averages the annual cost of electricity in a home and bills the customer in 12 even installments. This can help low-income customers maintain a budget and avert payment problems, especially during the more expensive winter months.
Some companies even offer free energy-efficiency improvements (including free LED light bulbs!), free weatherization upgrades and even payment assistance programs!
Just click the link below to find out what discounts, rebates and other money-saving programs are offered by YOUR local utility company!
Dominion Energy
Are you struggling with your Dominion Energy bill? We found help! If you need assistance with your bill, you need help upgrading your home or you want to avoid shut-off, you might be able to find it. You could get help from Thermwise, with rebates and with income-qualifying assistance. There are many programs that can help you with your Dominion Energy bill. To see everything we’ve found, click here.
Duke Energy
Don’t let your Duke Energy bill keep you down! We found ways you can get help upgrading your home, making your bills easier to pay and even avoiding shut-off. You might also qualify for help from agencies in your community. Go here to see everything we’ve found for Duke Energy customers.
Piedmont EMC
As a member of Piedmont EMC, you might be able to get help paying your bill, save money and lower your usage! You could even get free trips to D.C. and money just for being a member. Check out all the awesome things we’ve found for you!
Pineville Electric
If you’re a Pineville Electric customer, you might be able to get help with your bill. You could qualify for income-based programs and for other things that might make it easier for you to pay your bill. You could also get free home upgrades using state resources. Community resources like the Good Fellows club are also available to people who are low-income and need help with their Pineville Electric bills. Click here to see what we’ve found for Pineville Electric!
PSNC
Is your PSNC bill a budget buster? We found help! You could save money using the PSNC rate programs and the budget billing program. You might also be able to get help with your bill through state and community agencies. Here’s everything we’ve found for PSNC.
Rutherford Electric
You could get help with your Rutherford Electric bill! The company offers low-income programs and rates that might make your bill lower overall. We also found ways you can lower your bill by taking small steps. To see everything we’ve found about Rutherford Electric, check here.
Santee Cooper
We found help for Santee Cooper customers! Your bill doesn’t have to keep using up your entire budget. There are programs like budget billing and rate plans that could make your bill easier to pay. Additionally, we found ways to lower your payments and make sure you’re able to pay your bill while avoiding shut-off. Check it all out right here!
South River EMC
South River EMC customers have options. You could get help with your bill, you could lower your payments and you could even get money back in your pocket just for being a member of a cooperative. There are a variety of programs you might be able to take advantage of. We found tons of help right here!
Want more free stuff in North Carolina? Go here!
Don’t see your electric company?
Leave a comment and we’ll add it to our research list!
Virginia Moore
Are there any programs to help a single person with no kids for food heating light bills cable/ internet etc.
Nicole
Yes, there are… but most of these programs have income limits, so it would depend on how much you are earning. :/
Sofia
Wasn’t one for Randolph Electric in here
Hannah Benge
I will add Randolph power to the list. We haven’t published anything about it yet. Thanks! -Hannah
April
I live in Burnsville NC my power company is French Broad . Please help!
Latisha
Just moved to NC with my son who is five. And I’m in need of a refrigerator and stove. Do you know where I can get assistance from? I applied for food stamps and medicaid. Thank you
Nicole
Hi, Latisha! Your local United Way is a great resource. They should be able to help you identify agencies in your area that can assist with these things. Your local Community Action Council and Salvation Army may also be able to assist with referrals. 🙂
Lisa
I have blue ridge electric corporation in nc the company is in young Harris gas do they have any programs?
Thanks
Nicole
Hi, Lisa! I’ve added that to our research list. We’ll get that research completed as soon as we can and hopefully we’ll find some helpful info for you. 🙂
Brittany
I have EnergyUnited. Do they have any programs or assistance programs. My appliances are very old and draining my utilities. Already have been shut off once. My other half works but I’m too sick to work. I have Medicaid and applying for food stamps.
Nicole Thelin
Hi, Brittany! I have added EnergyUnited to our research list and we’ll look into that as soon as we can. In the meantime, here’s everything we know about saving money in North Carolina so far.
Heather
Anything for Jones Onslow EMC? We’ve been on budget billing for over a decade but got hit with a $912.62 settlement amount due on the next payment 8/14/18. My toddler is special needs and depends on a feeding tube for all nutritional needs. We can’t afford our power turned off. We get SSI, Medicaid, food stamps & cap/c services.
Your help is appreciated.
Nicole Thelin
Hi, Heather! I am so sorry to hear that. We won’t be able to get that information to you in time, but the United Way 211 service may be able to help you in time. I definitely recommend contacting them immediately. I’m so sorry!
Erin Kirkman
My power company is not listed. Union Power Cooperative.
Nicole Thelin
Thanks for letting me know, Erin! I’ve added that to our research list. 🙂
Elena Maybank
Could you add Lumbee River EMC to your list for research? Thank you!
Riley Thomson
Elena,
I have added this to the research list. Thank you!
-Riley
Kristina Jones
I. Need to find help for broken appliances and power and home repair . I’m am recently an unexpected widow with 2 kids and my power company wasn’t on the list piedmont energy
Riley Thomson
Kristina,
I added your power company to our research list. Here is a link to our section about home repair grants. I hope this helps.
-Riley
Susan k Whitby
we have Brunswick Electric membership corporation
Riley Thomson
Susan,
I added this to the research list. Thanks.
-Riley
Judi Brady
Carteret Craven EMC ….
Could you add them to your list? Could really use some help.
Riley Thomson
Judi,
I went ahead and added this to the research list. Thanks.
-Riley
Stephanie
Lumbee River EMC. They have 2 locations. One in Fayetteville and another in Jacksonville.
Riley Thomson
Stephanie,
This is currently on our research list. Please check back with us for updates. Thanks.
-Riley
Michelle
My power company is Surry Yadkin Membership Corporation. It’s located in Dobson,NC. My power is is unbelievable. I’m disabled and have very little income. I’ve contacted them on helping me in some kind of way but they say they have no programs.
Riley Thomson
Michelle,
I added this to our research list. Thanks.
-Riley
Janice
Is Union Power in Monroe NC going to make the list soon
Riley Thomson
Janice,
Thanks for checking in. We have an overwhelming response for power company requests. We are doing our best to get through them as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, we don’t have an update yet, but it is still on our research list. Thanks.
-Riley
Valenza Brantley
I have lumbee river emc
Riley Thomson
Valenza,
This is currently on our research list. Please check back with us for updates. Thanks.
-Riley
Kellie
Four County EMC?
Riley Thomson
Kellie,
I just added this to the research list. Thanks.
-Riley
Lynn Doby
We have Tidelands EMC.
Riley Thomson
Lynn,
I went ahead and added this to our research list. Thanks.
-Riley
Sandy
Is Energy United included?
Riley Thomson
Sandy,
I just checked and this is currently on our research list. Thanks.
-Riley
Danelly
Hello we live in High Point, NC and didn’t see our electrical company on here? Any info on that
Riley Thomson
Danelly,
What is the name of your electrical company? I’ll add it to the research list.
-Riley
Jessica
Surry yadkin electric
Riley Thomson
Jessica,
This is currently on our research list. Please check back with us for updates. Thanks.
-Riley
Sherresa Falls
Hi-can you please add Two Rivers Utilities to your list.
Thanks!
Riley Thomson
Sherresa,
I’m having trouble looking up information for “Two Rivers Utilities” in North Carolina. Is Gastonia Utilities Department the right company? I want to make sure we put the right company on the list for you.
-Riley
W. Staley
Check into Central Electric Membership Corporation, Sanford NC. Thank you so much.
Riley Thomson
W. Staley,
I just added this to the research list. Thanks.
-Riley
Bo Thomas
City of Monroe NC electric dept isn’t listed
Stephanie
Bo Thomas, I’ve added this to our research list. -Stephanie
Rita
Albemarle NC in Stanly County wasn’t seen. If fact I cant find any resources for rental assistance or anything else. Food bank is dry. I’m disabled and live with a 76 yr old if there is anything plz help.
Hannah Benge
I have added this to our research list. We are so sorry that you can’t find help. Never hesitate to call 211 for assistance in your area in the meantime! -Hannah