There are a number of programs for assistance with utilities available to qualified households. More questions? Contact our Human Services Division at [email protected] or (206) 241-4647.
Federal Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
If your main source of heat is electricity, gas, or heating oil, and you need help paying your utility bill during the winter season, call or schedule online:
Residents of South King County call (253) 517-2263 or schedule online at mschelps.org.
In addition to energy assistance, this federally funded program offers energy education, budget counseling, and weatherization services.
Puget Sound Energy
Puget Sound Energy offers three programs: the Bill Discount Program, HELP Program, and Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by the Multi-Service Center and other agencies in partnership with PSE. PSE customers can find the community-action agency nearest them by calling 1-866-223-5425 or viewing a list of agencies on pse.com/assistance.
Bill Discount Rate
The PSE Bill Discount Rate program helps save customers money on their monthly energy bill. Income-eligible customers can reduce their PSE energy bills by up to 45% a month. The program is designed to be easily accessible and in most cases no proof of income is
required. The program can be used in addition to PSE's other
assistance programs.
To quickly find out if they’re eligible, customers can go to pse.com/discount. The only information needed is: household size, county of residency, and monthly household income. Please feel free to share with your networks.
PSE HELP (Home Energy Lifeline Program) Program
This program provides qualified customers with additional bill-payment assistance beyond that offered by the federal LIHEAP program.
PSE Weatherization Assistance Program
This program provides free weatherization assistance to qualified customers to help reduce energy use and lower bills. This includes free upgrades to your home such as insulation, sealing air leaks, lighting, and refrigerator replacements.
Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light offers several assistance programs.
Utility Discount Program
The Utility Discount Program helps income qualified Seattle City Light customers lower their electric bills by 60 percent. Learn more: seattle.gov/light/assistance/.
Emergency Low Income Assistance (ELIA)
The Emergency Low Income Assistance (ELIA) program is for customers who have received an "Urgent" or "Shut-Off' notice on balances of $250 or more. If it is during the portion of the year that LIHEAP is operating, you are encouraged to apply for assistance from LIHEAP as well.
To participate, you need to first make the payment that is due to avoid disconnection, as well as payment arrangements on the remaining balance. Participants may receive up to $200. Assistance is limited to once every twelve months. If you need more information, please call (206) 684-3688 or email [email protected].
Project SHARE
Project Share is funded by customers' donations, and is available to customers that have participated in LIHEAP and ELIA. Initially, it will pay up to $250 towards the customer's City Light bill. If the customer makes a payment within two weeks of referral or interview, Project Share will contribute a matching pledge of $1 for every $2 the customer pays, with $500 being the maximum amount available. For more information call (206) 684-3000.
HomeWise
Income qualified customers may also be eligible for HomeWise, the City of Seattle's weatherization program. Improvements like insulation and heating system replacement or repair, can help you save energy, lower heating and cooling costs, and save money on your bill. Call (206) 684-0244 or visit www.seattle.gov/housing/homewise.
Burien Utility Tax Relief Program
The City of Burien offers an annual Utility Tax Relief Program. The program is being expand to include water and sewer utility taxes efforts are being made to improve accessibility.
Updated December 14, 2023