Help paying your electric bill in Iowa
Iowa got $58.8 million in the HHS table, about $45 for each of its 1,303,763 households. Income limit 200% of the poverty guideline; public line 1-800-972-2017. Heating help reached 82,693 households in FY2024.
Who to call in Iowa
- Iowa LIHEAP public line1-800-972-2017
- Iowa Utilities Commission877-565-4450 · iuc.iowa.gov · complaint form (links checked 2026-10-02)
Shutoff rules and moratoria in Iowa
Iowa: cold weather by dates and temperature; hot weather by none listed; health or age needs yes.
| Protection | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Colder months, by date | November 1 - April 1 |
| Cold temperature | 20°F or below |
| Health or age needs | "If a permanent resident of a household has a serious health issue, electric, natural gas, and telephone utility disconnection can be postponed for 30 days. However, the utility may require a statement of health from a physician or a public health official." |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites Iowa Utilities Board.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-20.4(14)-(15) (electric customer relations: disconnection, special circumstances) and 199-20.4(8) payment agreements. Iowa utilities cannot disconnect electric-only heat customers when it is 20 F or colder (actual or 24-hour forecast), nor LIHEAP-certified households Nov 1-Apr 1. Disconnection needs 12 days' written notice. A physician or public health official verification postpones disconnection 30 days. Payment agreements of 12 months must be offered. Quote: “Verification shall postpone disconnection for 30 days.”. Source: text of the rule (Cornell LII).
| Point | Iowa: Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-20.4(14)-(15) (electric customer relations: disconnection, special circumstances) and 199-20.4(8) payment agreements |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | 20.4(15)(8): no disconnection where electricity is the only space-heating source (or runs the only heating equipment) when the actual temperature or 24-hour NWS forecast is 20 F or colder; disconnection may resume once above 20 F with a forecast to stay above for 24 hours. 20.4(15)(10): no disconnection Nov 1 through Apr 1 of a head of household certified by the community action agency as eligible for LIHEAP or weatherization assistance (and named household members); 30 days' hold if utility is told household may qualify. |
| Heat | no season or temperature ban found in the text read |
| Who is protected | 20.4(15)(9): disconnection postponed if it would present an especial danger to health of a permanent resident (age, infirmity, serious illness, disability etc.); utility may require physician or public health official verification; postpones disconnection 30 days; service restored if verified within 14 days after termination. 20.4(15)(11): deployed service member households, until 90 days after deployment. |
| Notice | 20.4(14): written notice mailed to last-known address; disconnection date at least 12 days after notice is provided (24 hours posted notice for customers on shorter billing intervals); notice must include toll-free/collect number and commission-approved summary of rights; disconnection weekday-only restrictions per 20.4(15) (not fully read). |
| Payment plan | 20.4(8): customer with disconnection notice or disconnected under 120 days must be offered a payment agreement of at least 12 even monthly payments (six if disconnected over 120 days), plus current account; early payoff without penalty. |
| Who the rule covers | Chapter 199-20 headed 'Service supplied by rate-regulated electric utilities'; co-ops/munis not covered per that heading (exemptions not read). |
| Complaints | Per the rule text, the utility's bill notice refers customers to the Iowa Utilities Commission at 515.725.7300 or toll-free 877.565.4450, 1375 E. Court Ave., Des Moines, customer@iuc.iowa.gov. Note the regulator is now named the Iowa Utilities Commission in the rule text, not Iowa Utilities Board. |
Did not read the full 20.4(15)/(16) numbering across LII's two displayed versions, tariffs, or the gas/other chapters; section numbering on LII shows (14)/(15) in the current text and (16)/(17) in a prior comparison version.
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
LIHEAP in Iowa: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | Iowa | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $58,805,299 = $52,044,397 + $846,350 IIJA + $5,914,552 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | Heating: 200% Federal Poverty Level Crisis: 150% Federal Poverty Level Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Level | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating: $80 minimum, $800 maximum Crisis: $5,200 maximum | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 82,693 Year-round Crisis:12,699 Weatherization: 977 | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Program dates | Heating: October 1 - April 30 Crisis: Year-round Weatherization: Year-round | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
CSV
CSVIowa in numbers
- Iowa ranks 18th of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($45), 31st on households below the poverty line (11.3%) and 26th on low-income energy burden (8.9%).
- Per household below the poverty line (147,100 of them) the FY26 funds come to $400, rank 15th of 51: 28% of a typical year's electricity ($1,411). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 112,451 households got help in FY2022 against 341,388 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 33% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $792, 56% of that year.
- Heating season: October 1 - April 30. Counted FY2024: heating, weatherization.
- Neighbours: FY26 dollars per household run from $37 (Missouri) to $59 (South Dakota); low-income burden from 7.4% (Wisconsin) to 9.8% (Missouri). Iowa: $45 and 8.9%.
Where Iowa's low-income bills bite hardest
- Highest burden: Osceola County 17.2% (658 households); Howard County 16.3% (1,010 households); Guthrie County 16.3% (1,185 households); Van Buren County 16.3% (924 households).
- Most low-income households: Polk County 44,139 (5.3%); Linn County 21,895 (7.6%); Scott County 17,950 (6.2%).
99 counties.
Am I likely eligible in Iowa?
Median household income in Iowa is $73,147, 222% of the four-person guideline; check line 200% (2026 guideline).
How heavy is the energy bill in Iowa?
8.9% of income in low-income households, 2.8% overall. Ranking, Iowa prices.
| Group | Count | Iowa detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 341,388 households | 8.9% of income; $1,906 a year on $21,300 | rank 26 of 51 |
| All households | 1,290,139 households | 2.8%; $2,445 on $86,754 | rank 13 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 147,100 households | 11.3% of 1,303,763 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 31 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 13.72 ¢/kWh | bill $118 a month at 857 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVUtility and state bill programs in Iowa
None listed for Iowa in the snapshot of 19 Aug 2026; ask the utility.
Iowa on the map
Next to Iowa
Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin. Most FY26 funds per household: South Dakota, $59. Iowa: $45. All 51.
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in Iowa
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (Iowa Utilities Commission sets rules).
- Call 1-800-972-2017 or 211.
- Ask about dates and temperature-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: Iowa Utilities Commission, 877-565-4450.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
How much LIHEAP money does Iowa get?
$58.8 million in FY2026, $45 per household, rank 18 of 51.
What income limit does Iowa use for LIHEAP?
$54,640 for three people at 200% of the guideline; median household income $73,147; FY2022 heating standard 200% for four.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Iowa?
Call 1-800-972-2017.
Can Iowa utilities cut power in winter or summer?
dates and temperature for cold; none listed for heat. November 1 - April 1 20°F or below
How big is the energy burden in Iowa?
8.9% of income for low-income households, 2.8% for all; $1,906 a year for the first group.
How many Iowa households got energy help?
112,451 in FY2022, 82,693 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $792.
Is LIHEAP money enough for a Iowa bill?
$400 per poor household, 28% of $1,411.