Help paying your electric bill in Alabama
Alabama got $58.7 million in the HHS table, about $30 for each of its 1,969,105 households. Income limit 150% of the poverty guideline; public line 1-800-392-8098. Heating help reached 70,818 households in FY2024.
Who to call in Alabama
- Alabama LIHEAP public line1-800-392-8098
- State program siteadeca.alabama.gov/Divisions/energy/liap/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx
- Alabama Public Service Commission800-392-8050 · 334-242-5211 · psc.alabama.gov · complaint form (links checked 2026-10-02)
How heavy is the energy bill in Alabama?
11.2% of income in low-income households, 2.9% overall. Ranking, Alabama prices.
| Group | Count | Alabama detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 579,639 households | 11.2% of income; $1,993 a year on $17,867 | rank 7 of 51 |
| All households | 1,933,150 households | 2.9%; $2,268 on $79,634 | rank 11 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 313,418 households | 15.9% of 1,969,105 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 7 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 16.10 ¢/kWh | bill $185 a month at 1,152 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVWhere Alabama's low-income bills bite hardest
- Highest burden: Lowndes County 16.4% (2,009 households); Macon County 15.6% (2,960 households); Dallas County 14.8% (7,075 households); Hale County 14.5% (2,580 households).
- Most low-income households: Jefferson County 74,405 (12.3%); Mobile County 51,131 (11.8%); Madison County 33,766 (8.8%).
67 counties.
Alabama in numbers
- Alabama ranks 34th of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($30), 7th on households below the poverty line (15.9%) and 7th on low-income energy burden (11.2%).
- Per household below the poverty line (313,418 of them) the FY26 funds come to $187, rank 37th of 51: 8% of a typical year's electricity ($2,225). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 81,406 households got help in FY2022 against 579,639 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 14% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $400, 18% of that year.
- Heating season: October 1 - April 30. Counted FY2024: heating, cooling, winter crisis, summer crisis, weatherization.
- Neighbours: FY26 dollars per household run from $14 (Florida) to $32 (Mississippi); low-income burden from 8.2% (Florida) to 12.4% (Mississippi). Alabama: $30 and 11.2%.
LIHEAP in Alabama: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | Alabama | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $58,667,004 = $51,452,025 + $1,248,405 IIJA + $5,966,574 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | 150% of poverty guideline (how limits work: see guide) | snapshot 20 Apr 2025 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating: $280 minimum; $580 maximum Cooling: $320 minimum; $520 maximum Winter Crisis: $1,100 maximum; Summer Crisis: $990 maximum | snapshot 20 Apr 2025 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 70,818 Cooling: 47,578 Winter Crisis: 19,763 Summer Crisis: 14,166 Weatherization: 983 | snapshot 20 Apr 2025 |
| Program dates | Heating: October 1 - April 30 Cooling: May 1 - September 30 Winter Crisis: October 1 - April 30 Summer Crisis: May 1- September 30 Weatherization: year-round | snapshot 20 Apr 2025 |
CSV
CSVAm I likely eligible in Alabama?
Median household income in Alabama is $62,027, 188% of the four-person guideline; check line 150% (2026 guideline).
Shutoff rules and moratoria in Alabama
Alabama: cold weather by temperature; hot weather by none listed; health or age needs yes.
| Protection | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Cold temperature | 32°F or below |
| Health or age needs | "Each utility shall adopt, and follow, reasonable tariff rules governing its termination of service practices (except telephone toll service) when life or health may be threatened by termination, the customer requires special consideration because of age or... |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites General Rules of the Alabama Public Service Commission.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-1-.12 (Alabama PSC General Rules, collection of delinquent accounts and discontinuance of service for nonpayment). Alabama PSC rule 770-X-1-.12 requires 5 days written notice before cutoff for nonpayment, and bars residential electric or gas disconnection on any day the NWS forecasts 32 F or below at that location. The rule has no summer heat ban and no set medical-hold procedure; it leaves special cases (life, health, age, handicap) to each utility tariff. Quote: “No residential electric or natural gas service shall be disconnected for nonpayment”. Source: text of the rule (state official (Alabama Legislative Services Agency admin code, chapter PDF; chapter page https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/administrative-code/770-X-1)).
| Point | Alabama: Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-1-.12 (Alabama PSC General Rules, collection of delinquent accounts and discontinuance of service for nonpayment) |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | Rule .12(2)(e): no residential electric or natural gas service may be disconnected for nonpayment when the National Weather Service forecast for that location is 32 F or below for that calendar day. No calendar-date winter season found in the text read. |
| Who is protected | Rule .12(5): each utility must adopt and follow reasonable tariff rules on termination when life or health may be threatened, or the customer needs special consideration because of age or handicap. No specific medical-certificate procedure or postponement length in this rule; details are left to utility tariffs (not read). |
| Notice | At least 5 days written notice of intent to discontinue after the account is delinquent (delinquent = unpaid 10 days after due date). Notice counts as given if left with the customer, left at the premises, or mailed (mail must be delivered to the post office at least 5 calendar days before disconnection). Notice must carry a heading such as Disconnect Notice or Final Notice and say to contact the utility first, then the PSC, if disputed. No cut-off after 3:30 P.M. on a day before the utility office is closed. |
| Payment plan | Each utility must give at least one employee in each office power to extend the payment deadline and agree to installments (.12(4)). No detailed deferred-payment standard in the text read. |
| Who the rule covers | 770-X-1-.01 says the General Rules apply to all electric, steam, gas, water and telephone utilities under the jurisdiction and supervision of the Alabama PSC. Whether co-ops or munis are covered was not stated in the text read. |
| Complaints | Notice must tell customer to contact the utility first, then the Alabama PSC. PSC site (read this session): Consumer Services Complaints 1-800-392-8050. |
Not found in the text we read: heat; verify with the commission. Did not read utility tariffs, co-op or municipal rules, 770-X-3 Special Electric Rules, or any ratepayer-assistance program text.
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
Utility and state bill programs in Alabama
- Alabama Power Customers who are verified as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid for Low Income Families (MLIF) recipients may qualify to receive a monthly base charge discount of approximately $14.50. Customers can apply for the...
- Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
- Project Share Project SHARE (Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy) is administered by the American Red Cross and is funded by utility customers who donate through their monthly bills. All contributions are forwarded to the American...
- Central Alabama Electric Cooperative Project Share Clients in need apply for Project SHARE assistance at the American Red Cross office in their county. For more information call (334) 365-6762 or (800) 545-5735.
Excerpts, section of 20 Apr 2025. Utilities: Alabama Power Company, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, Cullman Electric Cooperative, Decatur Utilities, Hartselle Utilities, Joe Wheeler Electric and 1 more.
Next to Alabama
Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee. Most FY26 funds per household: Mississippi, $32. Alabama: $30. All 51.
Alabama on the map
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in Alabama
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (Alabama Public Service Commission sets rules).
- Call 1-800-392-8098 or 211.
- Ask about temperature-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: Alabama Public Service Commission, 800-392-8050.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
Is LIHEAP money enough for a Alabama bill?
$187 per poor household, 8% of $2,225.
How much LIHEAP money does Alabama get?
$58.7 million in FY2026, $30 per household, rank 34 of 51.
What income limit does Alabama use for LIHEAP?
$40,980 for three people at 150% of the guideline; median household income $62,027; FY2022 heating standard 150% for four.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Alabama?
Call 1-800-392-8098. Site: https://adeca.alabama.gov/Divisions/energy/liap/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx
Can Alabama utilities cut power in winter or summer?
temperature for cold; none listed for heat. 32°F or below
How big is the energy burden in Alabama?
11.2% of income for low-income households, 2.9% for all; $1,993 a year for the first group.
How many Alabama households got energy help?
81,406 in FY2022, 70,818 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $400.