Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
North Carolina has two main state energy programs. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides a one-time payment toward winter heating costs. The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps eligible households facing a heating or cooling crisis.
The 2025-2026 LIEAP season ended March 31, 2026. CIP is the main state crisis path outside the winter application period. CIP applications are accepted from July 1 through June 30 or until county funds are exhausted. Start with your county Department of Social Services (DSS), call the utility on the bill, and contact NC 211 for local funds.
For a wider plan, use ASMOM’s North Carolina help page and the national utility guide.
If shutoff may happen soon
Call the utility before the shutoff date. Ask for the exact payment needed to stop disconnection, a payment arrangement, a temporary hold while assistance is reviewed, and any medical or winter protection that may apply.
- Heating or cooling crisis: Contact your county DSS and ask to apply for CIP. A disconnect notice is not required, but you must show a health-related or life-threatening energy crisis.
- Local referrals: Dial 211 or 1-888-892-1162. NC 211 is free, confidential, multilingual, and available all day in every county.
- Regulated utility complaint: Call the North Carolina Utilities Commission Public Staff at 1-866-380-9816 after first trying to resolve the problem with the utility.
- Municipal utility: Contact the city or county utility manager. Public Staff does not regulate municipal systems.
- Electric cooperative: Start with the cooperative, then call the Rural Electrification Authority at 919-814-4696 if the problem is not resolved.
Use ASMOM’s North Carolina emergency guide when utility debt is tied to food, rent, shelter, or another urgent need.
Where to start
Winter heating cost
Prepare for the next LIEAP season. Confirm opening dates with county DSS because federal funding or state instructions can change the normal schedule.
No heat or cooling
Ask DSS for a CIP screening. Explain the health or safety risk, the amount needed to fix the crisis, and what other help you already tried.
Past-due utility bill
Call the utility for an installment plan, hardship program, medical account note, due-date change, or referral to a partner agency.
Water or sewer debt
Call the city or water provider on the bill. Water assistance is usually local and does not normally go through LIEAP.
Quick guide to North Carolina utility help
| Problem | Best first step | What it may provide | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter heating cost | LIEAP during its season | One payment to the heating vendor | The 2025-2026 season is closed. It does not pay the whole bill. |
| No heat, no cooling, or health risk | CIP through county DSS | Help needed to relieve a qualifying crisis | Income, resources, crisis facts, and county funds are reviewed. |
| Late electric or gas bill | Utility assistance department | Payment plan, bill credit, hardship fund, or referral | Programs differ by utility and service territory. |
| High bills every month | Weatherization and efficiency programs | Audit, insulation, air sealing, or approved system work | There may be a wait, and renters may need owner approval. |
| Water or sewer bill | Local water provider | Payment plan, hardship aid, credit, or leak adjustment | North Carolina does not have one statewide water-bill fund. |
LIEAP for winter heating costs
The official LIEAP page explains North Carolina’s one-time winter heating benefit. Payment usually goes directly to the heating utility or fuel vendor.
The 2025-2026 season was delayed by federal funding issues. Some older or disabled households could apply beginning December 10, 2025, and other eligible households could apply from January 2 through March 31, 2026, or until funds were exhausted. That season is now closed.
North Carolina normally gives an earlier December application period to households with a person age 60 or older or a disabled person receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services. Other households normally apply in January. Confirm the next season’s dates before relying on the usual calendar.
During an open season, apply through North Carolina ePASS or contact the county DSS directory for phone, mail, fax, drop-off, or in-person options.
Latest FY2026 income limits
The current federal fiscal year chart uses 130% of the federal poverty level for regular LIEAP. These are monthly countable-income limits, not take-home pay.
| Household size | Regular LIEAP monthly limit | CIP monthly limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,695 | $1,956 |
| 2 | $2,291 | $2,644 |
| 3 | $2,887 | $3,331 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $4,019 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $4,706 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $5,394 |
| 7 | $5,270 | $6,081 |
| 8 | $5,866 | $6,769 |
The official LIEAP income chart includes larger households and payment bands. The benefit amount depends on household size and income. Approval and the maximum payment are not guaranteed.
CIP for a heating or cooling crisis
The CIP program page is the main state path for a current heating or cooling emergency. Applications are taken from July 1 through June 30 or until the county’s allocation is exhausted.
A household may qualify when it is experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life-threatening or health-related emergency because of heating or cooling and timely help is not available elsewhere. A disconnect notice is not required. A past-due bill, final notice, fuel statement, repair quote, or medical information can still help show the crisis.
CIP uses a 150% federal poverty limit. The household must also meet a resource limit: generally $4,500 when a member is age 60 or older or disabled, and $3,000 for other households. The CIP income chart gives the current monthly limits.
Apply through county DSS or ePASS. The state allows applications by mail, email, fax, or drop-off, and a face-to-face interview is not required. When an application is complete, county policy calls for an eligibility decision within 18 hours for a life-threatening crisis or 48 hours for another qualifying crisis. That timeline is for authorizing eligibility, not a promise that service will be restored within that time.
Explain the crisis clearly
Say who is at risk, what service or equipment is missing, the amount needed, the deadline, and why another source cannot solve the problem in time.
Utility company assistance programs
Utility help may include installment plans, bill credits, hardship funds, budget billing, weatherization, medical account notes, and agency referrals. Ask what is available for the exact account rather than requesting only a generic extension.
| Utility | Programs to check | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy | Duke payment assistance, Share the Light, and Customer Assistance Program | The Customer Assistance Program is tied to a qualifying LIEAP or CIP decision and can provide a monthly credit for a limited period. |
| Enbridge Gas North Carolina | Enbridge assistance options and local agencies | This company was formerly Dominion Energy North Carolina. Ask about payment options and the Heat Care Fund. |
| Piedmont Natural Gas | Piedmont assistance programs | Programs include Share the Warmth and a seasonal Customer Assistance Program for qualifying customers. |
| Municipal utility | City or town customer service | Municipal systems set their own payment, shutoff, and complaint procedures. |
| Electric cooperative | Co-op payment office and Round Up fund | Ask about local member-funded aid and the cooperative’s written service rules. |
Shutoff notices and winter protections
This section is general information, not legal advice. The rules below mainly apply to electric and natural-gas utilities regulated by the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
The state shutoff guide says regulated electric and gas bills must have a past-due date at least 25 days after billing. The utility must give at least 10 days’ written notice before disconnection and contact the customer again at least 24 hours before shutoff.
Service cannot be disconnected on Fridays, weekends, state or federal holidays, or the day before a holiday. From November 1 through March 31, extra protection may apply when the household includes someone who is disabled or age 65 or older, cannot pay under an installment plan, and is certified by local social services as eligible for energy assistance.
Regulated electric and gas companies must keep a list of households with special medical needs. Ask the utility what medical form or provider statement it requires. A medical notice or winter protection delays disconnection; it does not erase the bill.
If a regulated utility will not explain the notice or follow an agreement, use the Public Staff complaint form or call 1-866-380-9816. Public Staff requires the account holder or legal representative to contact the utility first.
Weatherization and lower future bills
North Carolina’s Weatherization Assistance Program can provide a free home energy assessment and approved work such as insulation, air sealing, efficient lighting, heating or cooling improvements, and certain health and safety repairs.
Households may qualify with income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or through Work First cash assistance, Supplemental Security Income, or certain HUD income-tested programs. The program gives priority to older adults, people with disabilities, families with children, high energy users, and households with a high energy burden.
Homeowners and renters can apply, but renters normally need landlord approval. Use the weatherization provider finder to apply with the agency serving your county.
Energy Saver North Carolina also offers current home-efficiency and electrification rebates. The Energy Saver program can help income-qualified homeowners and renters with approved upgrades, but eligibility, contractor rules, and rebate amounts vary.
For unsafe rental conditions or landlord utility problems, use ASMOM’s North Carolina housing guide and North Carolina legal guide.
Water and sewer bill help
Water assistance is usually run by the city, county, or local utility. Call before the shutoff date and ask about a short extension, payment plan, hardship fund, account credit, and leak adjustment.
| Area | Current starting point | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | Raleigh UCAP | Eligible customers may receive up to $275 per fiscal year while funds remain. |
| Charlotte | Charlotte Water Cares | Call 311 or 704-336-7600 for hardship referrals, payment help, and leak-adjustment information. |
| Durham | Durham water help | Options include short extensions, installment plans, monthly credits for some households, and one-time hardship aid. |
| Greensboro | Greensboro customer service | Ask about payment arrangements and leak adjustments. A broader customer-assistance program is planned for 2027, not yet open. |
If your city is not listed, call the provider and NC 211. ASMOM’s North Carolina community guide may help locate county and nonprofit support.
Documents and information to gather
Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to build a simple application folder.
| Information | Possible proof | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Utility account | Full current bill and account number | Shows provider, service address, amount, and due date. |
| Crisis | Past-due bill, shutoff notice, empty-fuel statement, repair quote | Helps DSS or a charity understand the urgency. |
| Identity | Photo ID or another accepted record | Programs must confirm the applicant. |
| Household | Names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers when requested | Household size affects financial eligibility. |
| Income | Pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment, support, or self-employment records | LIEAP, CIP, and local programs review countable income. |
| Resources | Bank balance or other resource proof if DSS requests it | CIP has a household resource limit. |
| Medical risk | Utility form or health-provider statement | May support a medical account note or crisis finding. |
If another bill is using the money needed for utilities, check ASMOM’s North Carolina SNAP guide, North Carolina TANF guide, and North Carolina child care guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for shutoff day. DSS, charities, and utility partners may need time to review proof.
- Applying only for LIEAP. LIEAP is seasonal; CIP and local programs are different paths.
- Assuming a notice is required for CIP. It is not, but the household must show a qualifying crisis.
- Ignoring the current bill. A payment plan may fail when only the old balance is paid.
- Using an old utility name. Dominion Energy North Carolina is now Enbridge Gas North Carolina.
- Paying an application fee. Government energy assistance does not require a fee to unlock benefits.
If help is denied, delayed, or unavailable
Ask for the reason in writing. Check whether the problem is a closed application period, missing proof, income, resources, household information, no qualifying crisis, an unsupported bill, or exhausted local funds.
- Missing document: Ask what exact proof is needed, whether another record is accepted, and the final date to send it.
- LIEAP or CIP decision: Ask county DSS for the local appeal process immediately. Energy-program appeals start locally, and short deadlines can apply to a later state appeal.
- Regulated utility dispute: Contact Public Staff after trying the utility. A complaint may address billing, payment arrangements, deposits, service quality, or threatened disconnection.
- Municipal utility: Escalate to the utility manager, city manager, or local elected body.
- Electric cooperative: Contact cooperative management and then the Rural Electrification Authority if needed.
- Local fund is empty: Call NC 211 and ask for another agency serving the same ZIP code.
Use ASMOM’s benefits problem guide to organize notices, dates, and calls. The North Carolina rural guide may help where utility and DSS offices are far away.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
Hello, my account is past due and the notice lists a shutoff date of [date]. What exact payment or agreement will stop disconnection? Please check payment plans, hardship funds, medical options, and any agency pledge already on the account.
Calling county DSS
Hello, I need energy assistance. My situation is [no heat, no cooling, shutoff risk, low fuel, or broken system], and it may affect [health or safety reason]. Can you screen me for CIP and tell me what proof is needed today?
Calling NC 211
Hello, I live in [county and ZIP code]. I need help with a [electric, gas, heating fuel, or water] bill by [date]. I already contacted [utility or DSS]. Which local agencies have funds or appointments now?
Calling Public Staff
Hello, I am the account holder and already tried to resolve a billing or shutoff problem with my utility. The company is [name]. Can you confirm whether it is regulated and help me understand the complaint process?
Resumen en español
Carolina del Norte tiene dos programas estatales principales. LIEAP ayuda con una parte del costo de calefacción en invierno. La temporada 2025-2026 terminó el 31 de marzo de 2026. CIP ayuda con una crisis de calefacción o aire acondicionado y acepta solicitudes del 1 de julio al 30 de junio, o hasta que se terminen los fondos.
Llame primero a la compañía de servicios y al Departamento de Servicios Sociales de su condado. Para recursos locales, llame al 211 o al 1-888-892-1162. Pregunte por un plan de pago, fondos de emergencia, protección médica y ayuda para evitar el corte.
CIP no exige un aviso de corte, pero debe existir una emergencia de salud o de vida relacionada con calefacción o enfriamiento. Guarde la factura, aviso, comprobantes de ingresos, información del hogar y documentos médicos cuando correspondan.
Si niegan la ayuda, pida la razón y el proceso de apelación por escrito. Guarde todos los avisos, fechas, nombres y números de confirmación.
FAQ
Is North Carolina LIEAP open now?
No. The 2025-2026 LIEAP season ended March 31, 2026. The next opening depends on state instructions and federal funding, so confirm dates with county DSS.
Can CIP help without a shutoff notice?
Yes. North Carolina does not currently require a disconnect notice for CIP. The household must still show a qualifying heating or cooling crisis and meet income, resource, and other rules.
What are the current CIP income limits?
CIP uses 150% of the federal poverty level. For FY2026, the monthly limit is $1,956 for one person, $2,644 for two, $3,331 for three, and $4,019 for four.
How quickly does CIP make a decision?
After a complete application, county policy calls for eligibility authorization within 18 hours for a life-threatening crisis or 48 hours for another qualifying crisis. Restoration may take longer.
Can a utility shut off service in winter?
Sometimes. Extra protection may apply from November through March to certain households with an older or disabled member, inability to pay an installment plan, and DSS energy-assistance certification.
Where can I get help with a water bill?
Call the water provider on the bill and ask about payment plans, hardship aid, credits, and leak adjustments. NC 211 can search for local help by ZIP code.
Last updated: July 16, 2026. Next review: October 16, 2026.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.