Where and how to get help paying your Charlotte utility bills this summer
With temperatures nearing triple digits in Charlotte, air conditioning is essential to surviving summer.
Unfortunately, many families aren’t able to afford the bill that comes along with it.
Energy costs have risen by 30% in the last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that nearly half of all households experiencing energy insecurity are in the South.
If you are having trouble paying your utility bills, here are a few resources in Charlotte that can help.
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Utility assistance is available in-person for Mecklenburg County residents at Crisis Assistance Ministry, 500-A Spratt St., Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring with you to apply:
A photo ID
Social Security documents for all members of your household, including Social Security cards, forms from the Social Security Administration, a W-2 from your employer, a pay stub with your complete Social Security Number, or a W-7. You must provide some form of ID if you are not registered with the Social Security Administration.
Proof of household income over the last 30 days for all residents, including earned and unearned income. This includes paystubs, unemployment, SSI, SSA, VA and retirement benefits, as well as child support and disability payments.
Past due utility bills or disconnection notices. These must be in your name.
Crisis Assistance Ministry prioritizes cases with the most critical needs, so it may be more than a week after your appointment before getting a call from a caseworker.
Federal Programs
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program and Crisis Intervention Program are federal initiatives that assist households with their heating and cooling needs.
LIEAP provides a one-time payment to help eligible households pay their heating and cooling bills. Households including a person over 60 or disabled who are responsible for its heating and cooling costs, and have an income below 130% of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
CIP is a year-round program that helps individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling-related crisis or life-threatening health emergency and have a past due utility bill. Households with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply, according to NCDHHS.
According to the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, funds for these programs have been exhausted, but more are expected to come in next month.
Duke Energy Payment Assistance
Duke Energy offers three payment assistance options: due date extensions, disconnect date extensions and installment plans.
Customers can request to extend their payments by one to 10 business days twice per calendar year, according to Duke Energy. This option is only available to customers who do not owe money on their bills.
Disconnect date extensions can delay power disconnections for non-payment, Duke Energy says. You can choose between a five- or 10-day extension.
Installment plans are available to customers who want more flexibility to pay a past-due balance over a longer period. With this option, you can restructure your balance into a monthly payment plan.
To check your eligibility for these options log in to your Duke Energy account, go to the “Billing & Payments” section at the top of the page and select “Payment Assistance Options” to get started. You can also call Duke Energy at 800-777-9898.
Mecklenburg County fan initiative
If you can’t get assistance with your energy bills, DSS is providing fans to people aged 60 and older, and those aged 18-59 who receive disability income.
Individuals are required to show a valid driver’s license or ID that provides proof of age and a current Mecklenburg County address to receive a fan. Fans are limited to one per household.
Call 980-314-7018 to reserve and pick up your fan at the Valerie C. Woodard Center, 3205 Freedom Dr.
