Help in New Hampshire with utility bills, heating, and electric

In New Hampshire, a law was passed that requires cities and towns to provide emergency services to the poor, and the program is funded by local property taxes. Typically, utility bill assistance, as well as help with electric bills and heating bills, is included and aid is provided in the form of payments to utilities and landlords. People can get either utility assistance, and even rent help is offered as well. Also, other help is included, such as vouchers for food and clothing, and also burial expenses.

Low Income Utility Bill Assistance

Beginning in October, the tiered-discount program (TDP) began serving over 23,000 households. The tiers are structured so that they provide qualified low income households with monthly utility bill payments equal to about  four percent of income for general use customers and six percent for income for electric heat users. Heating bill assistance is also provided.

Granite State Electric, Utility Assistance Program
Qualified customers receive discounts on electric service. You need to contact a local Community Action Agency for an application.
Cheshire & Sullivan 603-352-7512 or 1-800-529-0005; Coos, Carroll & Grafton 603-752-7105 or 1-800-552-4617; Hillsborough 603-668-8010 or 1-800-322-1073; Rockingham 603-436-3896

Federal government aid
The primary resource is known as LIHEAP. The program will assist low income families, seniors, and the disabled with paying their utility and heating bills. Cash grants are provided. Also, if a customer is low on heating fuel or oil, a crisis component will ensure that New Hampshire families are able to keep their utilities on during the winter. Click here fore details.

 

 

 

 

Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs

Effective June, 2002 utility customers can take advantage of New Hampshire statewide energy efficiency services and products that are funded by the energy efficiency portion of the System Benefits Charge (SBC). Qualified customers, regardless of whether you live in a house or an apartment, and either owned or rented, can receive up to $3,600 in help. The program will pay out up to $5,900 to customers if they also qualify for the NH Weatherization Assistance Program. The provided will include a customized report analyzing their home, improvements including thermostats, insulation, efficient refrigerators, lighting upgrades, and also recommendations on how to use electricity and energy more efficiently.

New Hampshire Electric Assistance Program
This is a program that is funded by a surcharge placed onto customer electric bills. Since last fall, over $10 million in aid has been provided to over 28,000 households. Learn more.

NH Electric Cooperative accepts donations, and then provides assistance, as part of Project Care. The program pays for heating and electric bills. The Co-Op program is also partnered with social services to assist with utility bills. Read more.

Moderate income assistance programs
Customers who do not qualify for LIHEAP, and who are faced with a disconnection, may be able to receive emergency assistance from the Neighbor Helping Neighbors program. This is a program of last resort, and can help more moderate income customers avoid a disconnection of their service. The program is offered all across New Hampshire. Read more, and find out how to apply.