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Energy Assistance Frequently Asked Questions

Image of hand holding cash. Get Help With Your Utility Bill

Regular Assistance (Your power has not been disconnected):

Does energy assistance pay my entire bill each month?

No, the energy program is designed to help with your heating/cooling costs. It is not intended to pay the entire cost of your bill. If you are applying for help, you should continue to pay on your bill. If your household is determined eligible, payments are made directly to the utility company or the fuel vendor on your behalf.

How do I know if I qualify?

Eligibility for assistance is based on your annual gross income and the size of your household, household heating source, and type of dwelling. You must provide proof of income and assets for all household members that live with you. If you have natural gas or electric heat, you must bring the bill (or a copy).

What if I can't find my bills?

We can contact the utility companies directly to obtain your account info. However, this process takes much more time. It is easier and faster to serve you if you bring your bills with you.

When and how can I make an appointment?

You must make an appointment by calling 311. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 11 am. We ask that you arrive to your appointment 10 minutes early and with all necessary documentation (listed below).

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

Bring all of the following:

  • Recent copies of your utility bills.
  • A recent payroll stub or other proof that shows your current gross income for the last 30 days and is valid within the last 90 days.
  • Documentation showing income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc.
  • Final utility disconnection notice (if you've received a shut-off notice from your energy company).
  • Social Security cards (or documents with SSN number such as a paystub or official document from the Social Security Administration) for all persons living in your household.
  • Valid photo identification for the applicant.

How many times a year can I receive assistance?

We provide two types of assistance, regular and emergency assistance. We will provide regular energy assistance only once a year from October 1 - September 30, UNLESS you have received a disconnect notice or if your service has been disconnected. In this case, we may be able to assist you if you're eligible.

Emergency Assistance (Your electricity or gas have been disconnected or you are out of home heating oil):

I have received a disconnection notice for electric or gas or my services have been cut off. How do I apply for emergency energy assistance?

If you have already received emergency assistance once this year, you are not eligible to receive it again. Emergency assistance is available to District residents who have received a disconnection notice for electric (Seniors 55 or older or residents who are on breathing apparatuses or life support machines requiring electricity) or gas service (Seniors 55 or older), or are currently disconnected. Assistance is also available to residents without home heating oil.

What documentation do I need to bring for emergency assistance?

Bring all of the following:

  • Disconnection notice or notice from PEPCO or Washington Gas stating that the service has been disconnected.
  • A recent payroll stub or other proof that shows your current gross income for the last 30 days and is valid within the last 90 days.
  • Documentation showing income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc.
  • Final utility disconnection notice (if you've received a shut-off notice from your energy company).
  • Social Security cards (or documents with SSN number such as a paystub or official document from the Social Security Administration) for all persons living in your household.
  • Valid photo identification for the applicant.

What if I can't find my bills?

You should contact your utility company to obtain a copy of your bill. We can contact the utility companies directly to obtain your account information. However, this process takes much more time. It is easier and faster to serve you if you bring your bills with you.

What is the largest award I could receive, and how many times can I receive emergency assistance?

The amount you may receive depends on your eligibility.You will be informed on the amount of assistance that you will receive at the time of your appointment. You can only apply for emergency assistance once in a year from October 1 - September 30.

Does bill have to be listed in my name?

You must show that you are responsible for your home energy costs by providing a current bill or a copy of a bill.

I have a red tag on my water heater or furnace. What should I do?

Bring in your red tag to the DOEE Energy Office at either location:

1207 Taylor St., NW
Washington, DC 20011

  • Bilingual (Spanish) staff on site
  • ADA Compliance
  • Interpreter Services available
  • Serving Wards 1,2,3,4, 5 & 6

2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20020

  • Interpreter Services available
  • ADA Compliance
  • Serving Wards 6, 7, & 8

No appointment is necessary. You must fill out an energy assistance application.

Call 311 for more information.

Contact TTY: 
711