Last updated: November 11, 2026
Bottom line
Utah’s main home-energy program is the Home Energy Assistance Target program, called HEAT. It may help an eligible household with electricity, natural gas, heating fuel, cooling costs, or an urgent energy crisis. Start with the official Utah HEAT page, then contact the office serving your county.
Utah has used an October 1–September 30 HEAT benefit year, unless funds run out earlier. The state’s schedule in the previous edition opened applications October 1 for households with a child under 6, an adult age 60 or older, or a person with a disability; general applications began November 1. Because the new program year is under way, confirm 2026–27 dates and funds with the county office.
HEAT is not a grant paid directly to every applicant, and approval is not guaranteed. If you have a shutoff notice, call the utility first and ask for a payment plan or temporary hold. Then call HEAT and Utah 211.
The national utility guide explains the broader LIHEAP system. The Utah help page covers other state benefits that may protect your utility budget.
If service may be shut off
Do not wait until the shutoff date. Keep the notice and write down the name, date, and result of each call.
Ask for written confirmation of any hold. A pending HEAT application, 211 referral, or payment pledge does not by itself stop a shutoff. If someone needs powered medical equipment, tell the utility and ask about the medical-statement procedure.
- Call the utility: Ask for a 12-month deferred payment plan, a due-date extension, budget billing, low-income programs, and a temporary hold while an assistance application is reviewed.
- Call your HEAT office: Use the county office list. Tell the worker if service is already off or scheduled for disconnection within 48 hours.
- Call Utah 211: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-888-826-9790. You can also text your ZIP code to 801-845-2211 or use the Utah 211 directory for local utility, food, housing, and emergency resources. Current phone help hours: daily, 8:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; live text and chat: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Do not wait for 211 hours to pass before calling the utility.
- File a utility complaint: If a regulated utility will not resolve the problem, call the Utah Division of Public Utilities at 801-530-7622 or 1-800-874-0904.
The Utah emergency guide gives more options for food, housing, and urgent bills.
What has changed for late 2026
The 2026–27 HEAT program year began October 1, 2026. The state’s application guidance used in the earlier version lists October 1 for households with a child under 6, a person with a disability, or someone age 60 or older, and November 1 for other households. Ask your county HEAT office to confirm this year’s intake dates and remaining funds before relying on the schedule.
Utah 211 currently lists phone support every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and live text or chat on weekdays during those hours. If a state HEAT information page does not load, try the online HEAT application or ask 211 for the local office. The federal energy-help guide is another way to find the state’s LIHEAP contact.
Where to start
Choose the card that matches the bill problem. Call more than one program when the need is urgent.
Shutoff notice
Call the utility and HEAT today. Ask whether the account can be held while the application or pledge is reviewed.
High monthly bill
Apply for HEAT and ask about budget billing, HELP, weatherization, and free energy-saving services.
Natural gas balance
Apply for HEAT first. An approved Enbridge Gas customer may also qualify for REACH when the current rules are met.
Water bill
Call the city or water provider. Water assistance is local, so also ask Utah 211 about charities and city programs.
The Utah community guide and Community Action guide can help you find nearby agencies.
Quick help table
| Need | First contact | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power or gas shutoff | Utility and HEAT | Deferred plan, crisis review, and account hold | An assistance application does not automatically stop disconnection. |
| Rocky Mountain Power bill | HEAT or HELP | HEAT benefit and monthly HELP credit | The current HELP credit is no more than $18 per month. |
| Enbridge Gas balance | HEAT, then REACH | Supplemental natural-gas credit | REACH has extra eligibility rules and limited funding. |
| Water disconnection | Local water provider | Payment plan, hardship fund, and leak adjustment | Utah does not have one statewide water benefit for every customer. |
| Home wastes energy | Weatherization agency | Energy audit and approved improvements | Weatherization does not pay a bill due today. |
How Utah HEAT works
HEAT is Utah’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The state describes it as year-round energy assistance for eligible low-income households. An eligible household can normally receive one HEAT benefit during a program year.
A household generally must meet four basic rules:
- Total household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
- The household is responsible for home-energy costs.
- At least one adult or emancipated person lives in the household.
- At least one household member is a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen under HEAT rules.
Check the current income chart. The 150% federal poverty guideline is a percentage, not one dollar limit for all families. The figure changes with household size and may change each year. If your hours fell or you have no income now, ask the HEAT office how the prior-month test applies.
HEAT looks at income received by all household members during the month before the application month. It may also consider allowed medical expenses, child support, or alimony paid. Do not estimate or leave out income. Ask the worker how to report a recent job loss, irregular hours, self-employment, support payments, shared housing, or zero income.
The amount is not a fixed check for every household. HEAT uses household size, income, energy burden, fuel type, and target-group factors. Current policy gives an added benefit factor to households with a person age 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a child under 6. Propane and fuel-oil households can also receive an added calculation factor.
If utilities are included in rent: Do not assume you are ineligible. Tell the HEAT office what your lease says and ask whether the utility-in-rent form applies. If you share a meter or an account, ask what proof the office needs.
Ask about crisis help
If service is off or will be disconnected within 48 hours, contact the local office before relying only on the online application. The office may need to confirm the crisis directly with the utility.
How to apply for HEAT
You can apply through the online HEAT application or submit a paper packet to the local office. The office page says required documents can be mailed, emailed, or faxed. Some counties also schedule telephone, online, or in-person appointments.
If the application website is not working, ask the county office for a paper or phone option. Before you send photos, check that all four corners and the account number are readable. Do not send Social Security numbers or bank details to an unverified helper.
| Step | What to do | What to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Find the office | Use the county list and confirm where your application should go. | Office name, phone, email, and fax |
| Apply | Complete the online or paper application and sign it. | Confirmation page or a full copy |
| Send proof | Submit all requested bills, income, and household documents. | Email receipt, fax log, or mailing proof |
| Answer requests | Respond quickly if the worker asks for another form or clearer copy. | Worker name and deadline |
| Read the decision | Check the benefit, vendor, denial reason, and review rights. | Decision notice and envelope |
The state’s HEAT forms page includes forms for child support or alimony, employer verification, self-employment, zero income, utilities included in rent, disability proof, crisis budgeting, and winter moratorium protection.
HELP, REACH, and emergency cash
Rocky Mountain Power HELP
HELP is a bill credit, not a cash payment. Ask whether it will appear on your next statement and when you must renew it.
The earlier Utah HELP page listed a maximum monthly credit of $18 for eligible Rocky Mountain Power customers. Ask the HEAT office or HELP program to confirm the current credit before counting it in your budget. HELP uses HEAT income guidelines; a HEAT application can also help screen you for HELP. The household must renew its HELP approval when due.
A household can apply separately if needed and must recertify each year. The HELP phone numbers are 801-521-6107 and 1-844-214-3090.
Enbridge Gas REACH
The Residential Energy Assistance through Community Help program, called REACH, is administered by The Salvation Army for qualifying Enbridge Gas Utah customers. The current REACH program page lists a $350 credit, plus $50 for an eligible veteran.
The applicant must have HEAT approval from the same heating season, an active Enbridge Gas account with a past-due balance, and income at or below the current federal poverty level. The household must also include a person receiving SSI or SSDI, a person age 60 or older, or a child under age 5. Assistance is limited to once per calendar year and depends on available funds.
Utah Emergency Assistance
Families with a dependent child may also ask the Department of Workforce Services about Emergency Assistance. It can provide up to $300 for utilities when a crisis outside the family’s control caused the arrears and one payment can resolve the immediate problem. It is available once in a 12-month period to households that meet all program rules.
The Utah TANF guide explains other cash and employment support that may fit a family.
Shutoff protections and complaints
This section is general information, not legal advice. Utah Public Service Commission rules cover many regulated electric and gas utilities. City utilities, special districts, propane sellers, and other providers may use different procedures.
The Division of Public Utilities’ customer rights page says a regulated utility must:
- Offer at least one 12-month deferred payment plan when a customer has a financial emergency.
- Mail a disconnection notice at least 10 days before service is shut off.
- Offer winter shutoff protection to qualifying customers.
- Continue service for a reasonable time when a physician’s statement shows a medical emergency in the home.
- Tell customers about possible financial-assistance sources.
For regulated utilities, the state also describes a medical delay of up to 30 days or the time on the doctor’s statement, whichever is shorter, with a possible request for an extension. It is a delay, not debt forgiveness. These state commission rules may not cover city-owned water or power service. Check the rules with your own provider.
A medical statement or winter protection does not erase the debt. Keep paying the amount you agreed to and save the written plan. Utah’s HEAT moratorium form is used only from November 15 through March 15.
Confirm the account status
Do not assume a HEAT application, doctor statement, or complaint has stopped the shutoff. Ask the utility to confirm the hold, end date, payment amount, and next action in writing.
If the company does not resolve the issue, use the utility complaint process. The Division asks you to contact the company first and then provide the customer name, address, account number, utility name, dates, facts, and the solution you want.
If a shutoff is tied to eviction, unsafe housing, or a landlord dispute, the Utah housing guide and Utah legal guide give related next steps.
Which office can help?
| Problem | Best first call | Ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Heat or power bill | County HEAT office | Income screening, crisis review, application route |
| Electric bill discount | HEAT or Rocky Mountain Power | HELP credit and renewal rules |
| Past-due Enbridge gas | HEAT, then REACH | Same-season HEAT approval and REACH referral |
| Local water bill | Water provider | Payment plan, hardship fund, leak review |
| Dispute with regulated utility | Provider, then Utah DPU | Written plan or complaint review |
Water and sewer bill help
Water help is usually local. Call the city, water company, or service district and ask for a payment plan, disconnection hold, leak adjustment, due-date change, and hardship fund. Then ask Utah 211 for agencies serving your ZIP code.
Salt Lake City Public Utilities offers Project Water ASSIST through The Salvation Army. Current rules require household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and an active disconnection notice. Assistance depends on available donations and case review.
Project Water ASSIST is only for qualifying Salt Lake City Public Utilities customers. Other cities may have separate donation funds or council-approved arrangements. Ask the provider directly instead of assuming the Salt Lake City program applies statewide.
For Project Water ASSIST, the city lists Salt Lake City Public Utilities at 801-483-6900 and the Salt Lake City Salvation Army at 801-969-0526. The assistance is not automatic, and this is not a statewide water program.
Weatherization and lower future bills
The Utah Weatherization Assistance Program provides noncash energy-efficiency improvements to eligible homes. The official federal weatherization guide uses an income limit of no more than 200% of the current federal poverty level.
Work may include an energy assessment and approved measures that reduce heat loss, improve comfort, or address energy-related safety. The program gives priority to older adults, people with disabilities, homes with preschool-age children, high-energy users, and some emergency situations.
Homeowners and renters can apply through the agency serving their county. A landlord may need to approve work in a rental. Waiting periods can occur because an agency must inspect the home and work within available funding.
The disability support guide may help when power or temperature is tied to medical equipment or disability needs.
Phone and internet discounts
The federal Lifeline program can reduce the cost of qualifying phone or internet service. The Lifeline program page lists a discount of up to $9.25 per month for eligible households. A household may qualify through income or programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance.
Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. Ask the provider about activation charges, device costs, data limits, and the amount left after the discount.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is no longer open. The phone and internet guide gives current lower-cost options without relying on the expired program.
Lifeline is not a HEAT benefit. Ask the phone or internet company whether it participates and whether its lowest-price plan can be combined with Lifeline. Do not use an expired Affordable Connectivity Program application.
Documents to gather
Do not wait for every paper before calling. Ask the office which documents apply to your household. Use the documents checklist to keep copies and confirmation numbers.
| Document | Why it matters | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Power and heating bills | Shows the vendor, account, usage, and amount due. | Include the newest bill and shutoff notice. |
| Prior-month income | HEAT reviews income for all household members. | Include wages, benefits, support, and self-employment. |
| Household information | Shows who lives in the home and target-group status. | List adults and children accurately. |
| Paid expenses | Some medical, child-support, or alimony payments may be allowed. | Provide receipts or official records. |
| Lease or landlord form | Needed when utilities are included in rent. | Ask the landlord to complete the official form. |
| Disability proof | May support a target-group credit or accommodation. | Use the form requested by the HEAT office. |
If utility costs leave too little for food, medical care, or child care, use the Utah food guide, Utah health guide, and Utah child care guide as separate next steps.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until service is off. Call when the first disconnection notice arrives.
- Submitting only the application. HEAT also needs the required bills, income, and household proof.
- Calling only one place. The utility, HEAT, 211, and company programs solve different parts of the problem.
- Paying before approval. Ask whether a program needs to pay the utility or vendor directly.
- Assuming winter protection is year-round. The HEAT moratorium form is limited to November 15 through March 15.
- Ignoring a worker request. A missing page or unreadable photo can delay or deny the case.
If HEAT is denied, delayed, or unfair
Ask for the reason in writing. A case may be denied because documents are missing, income is over the limit, the household is not responsible for energy costs, the application is incomplete, or funds are exhausted.
Do not miss a deadline. Check the date on your own decision notice. Ask the office how to appeal, where to send it, and whether more proof could fix the problem faster. Keep a copy of the appeal and any proof you submitted. If a shutoff is near, ask the utility for a payment plan while the case is reviewed.
The HEAT policy manual gives applicants the right to have the decision explained, speak with a supervisor, and request a fair hearing in writing. An applicant can also reapply before the program year ends after correcting the problem.
If you believe the HEAT program treated you unfairly, the current state page says to call 1-866-205-4357. Ask where to send a written fair-hearing request and keep proof that it was received.
The benefits problem guide can help you track decisions, calls, and deadlines.
Backup options when HEAT is not enough
Ask Utah 211 about churches, Salvation Army offices, community agencies, city programs, food help, and utility donation funds. Funding can change quickly, so call before visiting.
Ask the utility for a smaller down payment, a longer deferred plan, budget billing, a due-date change, a late-fee review, or a short extension. A partial solution may keep service on while you apply elsewhere.
Apply for other benefits at the same time when they fit. Food, cash, child care, housing, or medical assistance can free part of the household budget for utilities.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
“I received a shutoff or past-due notice for account [number]. I can pay [amount] now. Please review a 12-month deferred plan, any temporary hold, medical protection, low-income credit, and hardship funds.”
Calling HEAT
“I live in [county] and need help with [electricity, gas, propane, or heating]. My service is [past due, scheduled for shutoff, or disconnected]. What is the fastest way to submit a complete application?”
Calling Utah 211
“I live in ZIP code [ZIP]. I already contacted the utility and HEAT. Which local agencies currently help with [power, gas, water, or internet] bills?”
Calling about a complaint
“I contacted my utility but could not resolve the problem. The provider is [name], and the issue is [brief description]. Can the Division confirm whether it regulates the provider and review an informal complaint?”
Resumen en español
En Utah, el programa principal para ayuda con electricidad, gas, calefacción y enfriamiento se llama HEAT. El programa acepta solicitudes durante el año del programa, hasta el 30 de septiembre o hasta que se terminen los fondos. Llame a la oficina HEAT de su condado si tiene aviso de corte o si el servicio ya está desconectado.
Llame primero a la compañía y pida un plan de pagos, una extensión y cualquier programa para clientes con bajos ingresos. También puede marcar 2-1-1 o 1-888-826-9790. Envíe su código postal por texto al 801-845-2211 para buscar ayuda local.
Una carta médica o una protección de invierno puede retrasar el corte, pero no elimina la deuda. Guarde todas las cartas, facturas, números de confirmación y acuerdos.
Si la página de HEAT no abre, llame al 211 o a la oficina de su condado. Pregunte si hay cupos y fondos para el año 2026–2027. Pida confirmación por escrito de cualquier acuerdo para evitar el corte de servicio.
FAQs
Is Utah HEAT open year-round?
Utah describes HEAT as year-round. Priority households can apply October 1 through September 30. General applications are processed November 1 through September 30, or until funds run out.
What is the Utah HEAT income limit?
Total household income must generally be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The office reviews income received by all household members during the prior month.
Can HEAT stop a utility shutoff?
HEAT may provide crisis help, but an application does not automatically stop disconnection. Call the utility and local HEAT office immediately and confirm any hold in writing.
How much is the HELP electric credit?
The current maximum HELP credit is $18 per month for qualifying Rocky Mountain Power customers. The easiest application path is through HEAT.
Does Utah have water-bill assistance?
Water help is local. Salt Lake City offers Project Water ASSIST for qualifying customers with an active disconnection notice. Other providers may offer separate plans or funds.
What can I do if HEAT is denied?
Ask for the written reason, speak with a supervisor, correct missing documents, and ask how to request a fair hearing. Keep proof of every document and request.
Can I apply if I rent or utilities are in my rent?
Maybe. Tell the HEAT office what your lease says. You may need a landlord or utilities-in-rent form. The office must check whether you meet the energy-cost rules.
What should I do if the Utah HEAT website will not open?
Try the online HEAT application or contact your local HEAT office. You can also call Utah 211 at 211 or 888-826-9790 for help finding the right county contact.
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.
Reviewed October 21, 2026. Next review January 19, 2027. Program amounts and HEAT application windows can change; ask the office serving your county to confirm current details.
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.
Last updated: November 11, 2026 Next review: February 9, 2027