How to get assistance with winter heating bills in metro Atlanta

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The first week of December was unseasonably cold in metro Atlanta, according to local meteorologists. If this pattern continues into the winter, you may find yourself worrying about high heating bills.

Depending on your age and income, you may be eligible for programs and resources that help ease the burden of winter heating costs. We’re highlighting a few of them here — just click thru the links for more info.

Can my utility shut off my heat?

In Georgia, it is not legal for a utility company to turn off your heat or electricity during extreme cold weather.

The law says your utiility may not disconnect you between November 15th and March 15th IF the forecasted temperature is below 32°F for a 24-hour period beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the date of the proposed disconnection.
Keep in mind that you can be disconnected on other very cold days, as long as the temperature stays just above freezing.

There’s also a law that prevents disconnection to a customer with a serious illness that would be aggravated by disconnection. If this applies to you, you’ll need to notify your power or heat company in writing and provide physician documentation.
More info here

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their heating bills.

In Georgia, LIHEAP is administered by local Community Action Agencies (CAAs). The program provides direct payments to energy suppliers on behalf of eligible households.

The application period opened on  Dec. 2, 2024, for people aged 65+ and medically home-bound people. All other eligible Georgia residents who wish to apply can schedule an appointment beginning Jan. 2, 2025. This program assists both homeowners and renters with their heating bills, through direct payments to your energy supplier.

Eligibility and Application:

• Income Threshold: Household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. That comes out to $33,038 for a household of one and $73,700 for a household of five.
• Required Documents: Applicants need to provide their most recent heating bill, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of citizenship, and proof of income for the last 30 days (paystubs or verification of Social Security or unemployment benefits).

To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency — there’s a list of CAAs here.
More information OR call 404-657-3427.

Heating Energy Assistance Team (HEAT)

HEAT attempts to help struggling families avoid disconnection of services, or restore service after disconnection. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) distributes the funds through local community action agencies.

Eligibility and Application:

• Income Threshold: Household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. That comes out to $33,038 for a household of one and $73,700 for a household of five. View the income thresholds for families of different sizes.
• Required Documents: You must have proof of citizenship or permanent residency. You must have a disconnection notice or have had your service recently disconnected.

To apply, go here to find the agency that serves your county or call HEAT at 678-406-0212, ext. 101.
Once your application is approved, HEAT will send a payment to your energy provider.

Georgia Power Programs

If your home uses electric heat, you should know that Georgia Power offers a variety of rebates, assistance programs, and incentives to help you save energy and money.

• Senior Citizen Discount:
  If you’re 65 or older and have a combined household income of $30,120 or less, you may qualify for a discount on your electric bill, up to $33.50 per month.
• Energy Bill Assistance Programs:
  Georgia Power partners with nonprofit and faith-based organizations to provide energy bill assistance to low-income customers.
• Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency:
  The EASE program offers free home energy improvements to low income GA Power customers, and you can apply online.
• Budget Billing:
  A budget billing plan may help you manage your energy costs by averaging your monthly bills over a 12-month period, so you’re not hit with higher bills in summer or winter.

Atlanta Gas Light Senior Citizens Discount

Customers 65 years or older with an annual combined household income of $30,120 or less are eligible to receive up to a $14.00 discount off the base charge.

Natural gas service must be in the customer’s name to be eligible.
If you qualify, find the Atlanta Gas Light application here.
More info: atlantagaslight.com/energyassistance

Local Non-Profit Organizations

These organizations provide emergency financial assistance with heating bills for senior citizen and low-income families. The eligibility and application requirements will vary.

Salvation Army Project SHARE
Provides emergency bill-payment assistance up to $500 for households facing a temporary crisis.
800-257-4273
More info

St. Vincent de Paul Georgia
Offers households financial assistance in emergencies.
678-892-6163
More info

United Way
Connects households who call 211 to resources that can help with energy bill payments & other basic needs.
More info

Donate to help your neighbors with energy assistance

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