How Do I Get Help Paying My Utility Bills
The Division of Public Utilities cannot physically assist any party with the payment of their utility bills. The Division of Public Utilities may intervene, and possibly mediate the informal complaint process where the utility may have violated Utah State Statute, Utah Public Service Commission Rules, or the Utility's published tariffs. The Division of Public Utilities can refer the party to programs administered by public agencies or in conjunction with the utilities themselves, that may assist the party in applying for utility payment assistance.
Home Energy Assistant Target (H.E.A.T.)
The H.E.A.T. program is Utah's version of the federal LIHEAP program (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). funded 100% by the Federal Government through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Utah State Department of Work Force Services (DWS). It is designed to assist eligible households to meet the rising costs of home heating by either electricity or natural gas. There is also a Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by the same State office that can assist eligible parties to make their homes more energy efficient.
Weatherization Assistance Program
This program is also administered by the Utah State Department of Work Force Services (DWS). It is administered through nine government and nonprofit agencies across the state, enables qualified low-income individuals and families to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce utility costs. Individuals, families, elderly people (age 60 or older), and the handicapped that are at or below 125 percent of the current federal poverty income guidelines are eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. Contact Brad Carpenter (801) 209-5764 or Matt Turner (801) 468-0155.
Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP)
This program is also administered by the Utah State Department of Work Force Services (DWS), and is designed to assist eligible households to meet the rising costs of home electric energy.
Utah Telephone Assistance Program (UTAP or Lifeline)
Contact Information
Under the Public Service Commission Rule R746 you may be eligible for a discount on monthly local phone service. It is funded through the Universal Services Fund (USF) approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the State of Utah. As of August 1, 2012, the program provides a discount of approximately $12.75 a month for low-income households (135% of the federal poverty limit) with landline telephones and $9.25 for approved wireless telephones. As of July 1, 2012, the Utah Lifeline program had over 44,500 + landline and wireless participants.
More Information
Get Help - Lifeline Support Center
Lifeline Providers Near Me
Department of Workforce Services
Contact at: (800) 234-9473
Please do not call both numbers and leave a message as this creates more delays to respond.
Shauna Benvengnu-Springer
(801) 530-6433
sbenvegn@utah.gov
