How to Get Help With a Past-Due Electric Bill
Learn which utility plans, LIHEAP aid, and local programs can help with a past-due electric bill before shutoff.
If your electric bill is past due, contact your utility right away to ask for a payment plan, due-date extension, or medical protection. Then apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through your state office and call 2-1-1 for referrals. Past-due help often combines two tracks.
Your utility can adjust timing or payments. Aid programs can pay part of what you owe.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
Contact your utility first
The Michigan Public Service Commission urges past-due customers to contact their utility before disconnection to request a payment plan, due-date extension, or medical protection. Many protections need an active plan to work, according to the same Michigan utility help guide. That guide also describes Michigan's Low Income Winter Protection Plan.
It blocks shutoff from Nov. 1 to March 31 for income-qualified customers who meet agreed payments. Keep the call brief.
State the amount owed and any shutoff date. Ask which option keeps service on while you apply for aid.
- State the past-due amount and shutoff date, if any
- Ask what plans, extensions, or protections you qualify for
- Ask what payment keeps service on during review
Can LIHEAP help with electric bills?
USAGov explains the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can pay heating or cooling bills and give emergency help in an energy crisis. In some states it also covers electric bills, according to the federal help with energy bills page. USAGov notes eligibility is based on household income, but rules differ by state and territory.
Check your state LIHEAP office first, then apply online, in person, or as that office requires.
What if you already owe a large balance?
Maryland lists the Electric Universal Service Program as help with part of the current electric bill. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program accepts applications even with a shutoff notice. Arrearage Retirement Assistance offers up to $2,000 for past-due balances over $300, once every five years, according to the same Maryland electric-bill assistance resource.
If you do not live in Maryland, use this as a checklist. Ask your state office or 211 whether it has separate help for current bills, shutoff notices, and old balances.
Where do you find local help fast?
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel says dialing 2-1-1 connects callers to a free, confidential 24/7 referral service for local utility-aid agencies. Ohio directs applicants to local Energy Assistance Providers or Community Action Agencies, according to its Ohio utility assistance guide. Gather what proves need and account status.
Keep income records and your electric bill or shutoff notice together. Having them ready can speed review.
- Household income records
- Current or past-due electric bill and any shutoff notice