Help paying your electric bill in District of Columbia
District of Columbia got $12.7 million in the HHS table, about $39 for each of its 321,556 households. Income limit 60% of state median income; public line 202-737-4404. Heating help reached 6,891 households in FY2024.
Who to call in District of Columbia
- District of Columbia LIHEAP public line202-737-4404
- State program sitedoee.dc.gov
- Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia202-626-5100 · dcpsc.org · complaint form (links checked 2026-10-02)
Shutoff rules and moratoria in District of Columbia
District of Columbia: cold weather by temperature; hot weather by temperature; health or age needs yes.
| Protection | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Cold temperature | yes, no criteria text |
| Hot temperature | 95°F and above |
| Health or age needs | "A Utility shall postpone the Disconnection of service for a reasonable time not to exceed twenty-one (21) Days if the Utility is provided with a physician's certificate or notice from a public health official which states that Disconnection would be... |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites DOC Procedures; Utility Resources; Disconnection Regulations.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: 15 DCMR 310-312, 306, 320 (Chapter 3, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities). DC bars residential electric disconnection around days when NWS forecasts 95 F or above or 32 F or below. A physician certificate postpones disconnection up to 21 days (one renewal) if the customer enters a payment plan. Utilities must send a 15-day notice and attempt contact 2 days ahead; no Friday-to-Sunday disconnections except narrow cases. Quote: “A Utility shall not disconnect service when a dispute involving the Account in question has been filed with the Office of Consumer Services”. Source: text of the rule (commission page (DC PSC compiled Chapter 15-3 PDF; PSC says official copy is on dcregs.dc.gov, which was under maintenance)).
| Point | District of Columbia: 15 DCMR 310-312, 306, 320 (Chapter 3, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities) |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | 310.3(a): electric utility may not disconnect residential electric service for nonpayment, missed deposit or DPA breach on the day before and the day of an NWS forecast of 32 F or below (using wind chill), nor on holidays or weekends following such a forecast. Applies where electricity is the primary heating or cooling source (as worded). |
| Heat | 310.3(a): same bar when the NWS forecast for DC is 95 F or above (heat index considered). |
| Who is protected | 311.1: utility must postpone disconnection for a reasonable time up to 21 days on a physician certificate or public health official notice that disconnection would be detrimental to health and safety of a bona fide occupant, provided the customer enters a DPA; one renewal of up to 21 days. 311.2: no disconnection while a dispute is pending at the Office of Consumer Services (undisputed amounts must be paid). |
| Notice | 311.3: disconnection notice sent to billing address by first-class mail or technological means at least 15 days before disconnection (also copy to designated third party on request); notice must be on first page of the bill in bold if sent with a bill. 312: at least 2 attempts to contact, at least 2 days before disconnection. No disconnection after 5 p.m. Thursday until 8 a.m. Monday or on holidays (311.7), with narrow exceptions. |
| Payment plan | 306 and 311.6: utility and customer may enter a deferred payment agreement; no interest or new charges beyond those accrued at settlement; service not disconnected while a DPA is kept; written DPA within 10 business days. |
| Who the rule covers | 300.2: chapter applies to residential services regulated by the Commission provided by electric, natural gas and telephone utilities, and to licensed energy suppliers and telecom providers. |
| Complaints | 320.6: utility must tell the customer of the right to contact the Commission and of Office of the People's Counsel help. DC PSC phone read this session on dcpsc.org: 202-626-5100 (1325 G Street N.W., Suite 800). |
Did not read the official DCMR copy on dcregs.dc.gov, utility tariffs, or the DC Code, or any Utility Discount or assistance program; Chapter 4 master-metered buildings not read.
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
LIHEAP in District of Columbia: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | District of Columbia | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $12,655,521 = $11,080,289 + $288,453 IIJA + $1,286,779 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | Heating, Cooling, Crisis, & Weatherization: 60% State Median Income | snapshot 18 Aug 2026 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating and cooling: $200 minimum, $1,800 maximum Crisis: $500 maximum Weatherization: $25,000 maximum | snapshot 18 Aug 2026 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 6,891 Cooling: 1,403 Crisis: 4,184 Weatherization: 45 | snapshot 18 Aug 2026 |
| Program dates | Heating: Year round Cooling: Year Round Crisis: Year Round Weatherization: Year Round | snapshot 18 Aug 2026 |
CSV
CSVDistrict of Columbia in numbers
- District of Columbia ranks 21st of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($39), 15th on households below the poverty line (13.1%) and 48th on low-income energy burden (5.9%).
- Per household below the poverty line (42,187 of them) the FY26 funds come to $300, rank 25th of 51: 18% of a typical year's electricity ($1,682). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 18,030 households got help in FY2022 against 96,361 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 19% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $580, 34% of that year.
- Heating season: Year round. Counted FY2024: heating, cooling, crisis, weatherization.
- Neighbours: FY26 dollars per household run from $31 (Virginia) to $36 (Maryland); low-income burden from 6.8% (Maryland) to 7.5% (Virginia). District of Columbia: $39 and 5.9%.
Am I likely eligible in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia sets its limit at 60% of state median income; no estimate here. Median household income is $106,287.
How heavy is the energy bill in District of Columbia?
5.9% of income in low-income households, 1.1% overall. Ranking, District of Columbia prices.
| Group | Count | District of Columbia detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 96,361 households | 5.9% of income; $1,371 a year on $23,328 | rank 48 of 51 |
| All households | 315,797 households | 1.1%; $1,562 on $143,381 | rank 51 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 42,187 households | 13.1% of 321,556 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 15 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 21.94 ¢/kWh | bill $140 a month at 639 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVUtility and state bill programs in District of Columbia
- Residential Aid Discount (RAD) This program offers eligible PEPCO customers who do not have all-electric heating a 63% discount on the first 400 kilowatt-hours in summer months (June - October) and a 32% discount on the first 400 kilowatt-hours in winter...
- Residential Essential Service (RES) This program offers discount gas rates, based on household size and income level, during the winter months from November through April. There are three classifications: Class C may receive a total discount up to $142.02, Class B...
- MOST USED LINKS Model Plans States/Territories Tribes Policy Manuals States/Territories Tribes Benefits States/Territories Tribes Income Eligibility States/Territories Tribes Categorical Eligibility States/Territories Tribes Funding...
Excerpts, section of 18 Aug 2026. Utilities: none.
District of Columbia on the map
Next to District of Columbia
Maryland, Virginia. Most FY26 funds per household: Maryland, $36. District of Columbia: $39. All 51.
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in District of Columbia
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia sets rules).
- Call 202-737-4404 or 211.
- Ask about temperature-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia, 202-626-5100.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
What income limit does District of Columbia use for LIHEAP?
60% of state median income; median household income $106,287; FY2022 heating standard 311% for four.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in District of Columbia?
Call 202-737-4404 or 311. Site: www.doee.dc.gov
Can District of Columbia utilities cut power in winter or summer?
temperature for cold; temperature for heat.
How big is the energy burden in District of Columbia?
5.9% of income for low-income households, 1.1% for all; $1,371 a year for the first group.
How many District of Columbia households got energy help?
18,030 in FY2022, 6,891 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $580.
Is LIHEAP money enough for a District of Columbia bill?
$300 per poor household, 18% of $1,682.
How much LIHEAP money does District of Columbia get?
$12.7 million in FY2026, $39 per household, rank 21 of 51.