The Utility Discount Programs (UDP) assists low-income District residents reduce utility costs. To qualify, you must meet income guidelines (listed below), and utility bills must be in the applicant's name.
If you're eligible, you could receive discounts of:
- Up to $475 per year on your electric bills ($300 per year if you don't have electric heat).
- Up to $276 during the winter season on your gas bills.
- Over $962 annually on your water and sewer bills.
Additionally, to obtain a Lifeline home phone service application, please visit checklifeline.org/lifeline or call 1-800-234-9473.
How to apply:
Applicants must include the following documents with the application:
- Your most recent utility bills (or a copy);
- A government-issued photo ID;
- Proof of income for everyone in your home who receives income;
- Social Security cards for everyone in your home; and
- Your service disconnection notice or a letter from the utility company that states the service has been disconnected (if applicable).
- Apply for UDP online >>
How to apply via the mail:
Print and complete this application along with copies of the required documents listed above.
Mail to:
Department of Energy & Environment
Attn: Utility Affordability Administration
1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor
Washington DC, 20002
Applications are also available in the following languages:
Amharic (አማርኛ), Spanish (Español), Chinese (中文), Korean (한국어), French (Français), Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt).
How to apply in-person:
Residents may visit energy assistance centers located at 1207 Taylor Street NW and 2100 Martin Luther King Avenue SE.
Regular Assistance (your energy service has not been disconnected):
- Review the income guidelines below to verify income eligibility
- Call 311 to schedule an appointment at one of DOEE’s Energy Centers
- Appointments are required to receive regular and emergency energy assistance.
Emergency Assistance (your energy service has been disconnected or home heating oil is depleted):
- Review the income guidelines below to verify income eligibility
- Visit one of DOEE’s Energy Centers
Office Locations:
1207 Taylor Street, NW
- ADA Compliance
- Interpreter services Available
- Serving Wards 1,2,3,4, 5 & 6
2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE
- Interpreter services available
- ADA Compliance
- Serving Wards 6,7, & 8
UDP Income Guidelines for FY25
(October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025)
Income thresholds for eligibility:
- $86,650 for 1 person household
- $99,000 for 2 person household
- $111,400 for 3 person household
- $123,750 for 4 person household
- $133,650 for 5 person household
- $143,550 for 6 person household
- $153,450 for 7 person household
- $163,350 for 8 person household
