Public Service Commission

Utility assistance programs

Electric, gas and telephone utilities serve millions of customers in Georgia, but there are many customers who can't afford gas, electricity or basic phone service without the help of payment assistance programs. Many electric, gas, and telephone utility companies offer payment plans to their customers who qualify. They may allow deferred payment for those who cannot pay their whole bill or delay disconnection for customers trying to pay their bills. Many civic groups, charitable organizations, and churches in local communities provide payment assistance to low income customers. For more information, contact your gas, electric, or telephone service provider.

Electric and Gas Programs

Weatherization

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (www.gefa.org) distributes funds for weatherization assistance through Community Action Agencies for the repair or renovation of homes of low-income residents to make them more energy efficient. For more information call 404.656.3826 or contact your local Community Action Agency.

Low Income Energy Assistance

Most electric and gas utility companies provide an efficient means for their customers to help needy individuals by making it possible to include charitable donations with utility bill payments. Georgia Power Company and Atlanta Gas Light Company match funding contributed by their customers.

The Heating Energy Assistance Team ("HEAT") program is administered by the Georgia Department of Human Resources statewide through Community Action Agencies. For more information call 404.656.6696 or your local Community Action Agency. Project SHARE is also a statewide program and is administered by The Salvation Army. For more information call 1.800.25SHARE or your power company's customer service number.

Income-Qualified Discount

Georgia Power customers with a combined household income of 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or less, may qualify for an Income-Qualified Discount of up to $33.50 per month off their power bill. The discount is limited solely to the metered electric service and fuel cost recovery components of a customer's bill and does not apply to sales taxes or any other aspect of the bill. Natural gas customers in Atlanta Gas Light Company's delivery area may receive up to a $14.00 discount. Call your gas or electric service provider for more information.

Effective in May 2024 Georgia Power customers who receive Social Security Disability Income assistance, Supplemental Security Income, or participate in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program (HUD Section 8) may be eligible for the Income Qualified Discount of up to $33.50 per month (The discount for qualifying Senior Citizens outlined above also remains in effect). Please visit the Georgia Power website to check your eligibility and learn more.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)/PSC Matching Grant for Seniors

As a resident of Georgia, you may qualify for a financial assistance program designed to help you pay your energy bills. Low-income consumers who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive assistance from the federally-funded LIHEAP.

• Has an annual income at or below 150% of the poverty level for Georgia,
• is responsible for paying the cost of his or her home's primary heating source, and
• is a U.S. citizen or legally admitted alien.

For more information or to apply for assistance, contact the numbers listed below.

Phone Numbers for LIHEAP Assistance

Other Financial Assistance Programs

• The United Way, 2.1.1, or 404.614.1000
• The Salvation Army, 404.873.3101, or 800.257.4273 - toll free

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact us.