Energy Assistance
The North Carolina Division of Social Services administers the following Energy Programs. Eligibility for these programs vary. To apply or for more information, please contact your county Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP) provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible families pay their heating expense.
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) serves individuals and families who are experiencing or in danger of experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis.
Duke Energy Progress Share the Light Fund provides heating and cooling assistance to Duke Energy Progress customers who reside in a county served by the company.
Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth Program provides heating assistance for households residing in a county that is served by Piedmont Natural Gas.
Wake Electric Round Up provides heating and cooling assistance to Wake Electric customers who reside in a county served by Wake Electric membership Corporation.
Haywood Electric Company's Helping Each Member Cope (HEMC) assists households with heating and cooling needs in counties that Haywood Electric Membership Corporation provides residential service.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program (HARRP) provides funds to local community action agencies for the purchase and installation of materials to help make homes more energy efficient. Although these programs are partially funded through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grant, they are administered through the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Disaster Energy: The North Carolina General Assembly has approved $9 million in Disaster Energy Assistance for the following North Carolina counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. Individuals and households who live in one of the disaster counties listed above can apply for Disaster Energy benefits. Disaster Energy Applications will be accepted beginning January 15, 2025. Applicants can apply in person or via telephone at one of the 25 counties listed above.
To apply or for more information, please contact your county Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
Eligibility Requirements
- The households must have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, suffered a loss because of Hurricane Helene, and meet all eligibility criteria to receive disaster benefits.
- Meet income guidelines
- No benefit maximum per household
- Households can apply multiple times while funds are available.
Income Limits:
| No. Eligible In Household | Maximum Countable Income |
| 1 | $2,728 |
| 2 | $3,568 |
| 3 | $4,407 |
| 4 | $5,247 |
| 5 | $6,086 |
| 6 | $6,926 |
| 7 | $7,083 |
| 8 | 7,241 |
| 9 | $7,398 |
| 10 | $7555 |
| 11 | $7,713 |
| 12 | $7,870 |
Disaster Energy payments can be used by recipient households to cover the costs listed below:
- Utility bill assistance.
- Utility reconnection costs/fees.
- Utility deposits.
- Utility meter repair.
- Propane/Fuel Oil tanks.
- Natural Gas/Propane line repair.
- Propane/Fuel Oil delivery.
- Insulation replacement.
- Necessary wiring/circuit board replacement to be able to heat home.
- Repair or replacement costs for furnaces.
- Coats and blankets, as tangible benefits to keep individuals warm.
- Space heaters/electric heaters.
Disaster Energy payments cannot be used by recipient households to cover costs such as:
- Payment for water/sewer.
- Well pump repair/replacement
- Mortgage or rental assistance.
- Ramps and wheelchairs.
- School uniforms and school supplies.
- Clothing (except for coats).
- Mattresses, cots, air beds, and pillows.