UPDATE: The Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) will open applications for the FY27 Utility Discount Program (UDP) on October 20, 2026.
To prepare for the opening:
- Review eligibility guidelines
- Gather required documentation such as proof of income and residency
- Check back here on October 20 for updated application links and instructions
For questions, contact 311 or (202) 737-4404 or visit doee.dc.gov/liheap and doee.dc.gov/udp for updates.
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.
Residents may also be eligible for a discount on Pepco bills through the District's Solar for All program.
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).
How to apply via the mail:
Print and complete the 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:
NOTICE: The energy assistance centers located at 1207 Taylor St. NW & 2100 Martin Luther King Ave. SE are not scheduling in-person appointments for FY 2026 (Oct. 1, 2025 - Sept. 30, 2026).
Continue to check this webpage for updates on in-person appointments for both service centers.
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 FY26
(October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026)
Income thresholds for eligibility:
- $91,800 for 1 person household
- $104,900 for 2 person household
- $118,000 for 3 person household
- $131,100 for 4 person household
- $141,600 for 5 person household
- $152,100 for 6 person household
- $162,600 for 7 person household
- $173,100 for 8 person househol