[Last updated: 09/05/2025]
Low-Income Energy Programs Federal | Utility | Charitable
Federal
LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 615-815-2200
Website
LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Website
LIHEAP FY 2025 Funding
$71,993,499
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
60% State Median Income
Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Level
LIHEAP FY 2025 Benefit
Heating and Cooling: $600 minimum, $1,000 maximum
Crisis: $1,000 maximum
LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2024
Heating: 67,409
Cooling: 18,205
Winter Crisis: 25,372
Summer Crisis: 6,551
Weatherization: 264
LIHEAP Program Dates
Year-round
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Memphis Light Gas and Water
On Track
A payment program designed to help customers with limited incomes to manage debt and pay off their bills over a period of time. The program focuses on education, financial management and social services. To qualify for the program customers must have a steady, but limited, income and owe more than $600 to MLGW. Participants may receive Extended Payment Plans for up to three years and deposit credited back to the account after completion of program. Applications and more information are available on the website.
(901) 528-4820
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Memphis Light Gas and Water
EnergySmart Memphis
A year-long energy education and home improvement initiative designed to help Memphians save money on their energy costs. Customers will receive in-depth energy conservation training and eligible customers will have weatherization improvements made to their home. As part of the initiative, MLGW also has set aside funds to weatherize of customers who meet federal poverty guidelines.
901-528-4188
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Appalachian Power (AEP)
Light a Life
The Appalachian Power Light a Life Program lends a hand to those who are experiencing financial hardships and need help to get back on their feet. Administered by Salvation Army, the program helps families facing financial emergencies to heat and cool their homes.
Atmos Energy
Sharing the Warmth
Customer donations combine with company donations to help people pay their gas bills. All donations go directly to local people in need that meet criteria established by each individual program's guidelines.
Cumberland Electric Member Corporation
Project Help
A voluntary program that allows members to pay an additional amount on their electric bill each month to help pay utility bills of those who really need the assistance.
Duck River Electric Member Corporation
Project HELP
Customer donations will help defray the cost of energy for qualifying applicants.
Holston Electric Cooperative
Project Help
Member donations help those less fortunate to stay warm in the winter. The elderly, handicapped and those in economic crisis can apply for assistance once a year.
Jackson Energy Authority
Round Up Program
Funds collected from the Round Up Program will be given to Area Relief Ministries (ARM), a non-profit, social services agency. ARM will distribute the funds to residents meeting the criteria of the agency.
731-423-9257
Johnson City Power Board
Heisse Johnson Hand Up Program
Funds are collected from customers and distributed by the Good Samaritan Ministries and Salvation Army to individuals who need financial assistance for their energy bills.
Knoxville Utilities Board
Project Help
Project Help is an emergency heating-assistance program that buys electricity, natural gas, kerosene, heating oil, and wood for people who need temporary help with their heating bills, such as elderly or disabled people on fixed incomes, struggling single parents, and families who have lost their incomes through unemployment or illness. All Project Help funds come from donations and fundraisers and are administered by the Knoxville Community Action Committee.
865-637-6700
Memphis Light Gas and Water
Plus-1
A program administered by the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) to pay utility services for people in need. MLGW customers fund the program through one-time donations or by adding a dollar or more to their utility bill each month.
901-544-6549
Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative
Project Help
This voluntary program allows members to contribute each month to help those in temporary financial difficulty pay their winter energy bills. Money is distributed each year through community action agencies in each county.
Mountain Electric Cooperative
Operation Pocket Change
Customer donations provide funds for qualified community projects, programs, and people in genuine needy situations. An independent board accepts applications from groups, non-profit organizations, and individuals. To apply for OPC assistance, an individual or organization must complete and submit an OPC application. The application forms can be downloaded from the website here or picked up at any local MEC office.
Newport Utilities
Project Help
Project Help is a temporary assistance program for customers who have special needs and circumstance to the extent that they are unable to be economically self sufficient.
423-623-3066
Piedmont Natural Gas
Share the Warmth
Partner agencies use customer and utility donations to provide direct financial assistance to low-income families and individuals using all forms of energy including natural gas, propane, oil, electricity, coal, kerosene and wood.
Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative
SVECares
Customer donations provide financial help to worthy causes for community organizations and individuals.
