Help paying your electric bill in Montana
Montana got $23.6 million in the HHS table, about $52 for each of its 452,683 households. Income limit 60% of state median income; public line 406-444-1788. Heating help reached 14,675 households in FY2024.
Who to call in Montana
- Montana LIHEAP public line406-444-1788
- State program sitedphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance
- Montana Public Service Commission800-646-6150 · 406-444-6150 · psc.mt.gov · complaint form (links checked 2026-10-02)
How heavy is the energy bill in Montana?
10.3% of income in low-income households, 2.8% overall. Ranking, Montana prices.
| Group | Count | Montana detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 116,681 households | 10.3% of income; $1,939 a year on $18,852 | rank 11 of 51 |
| All households | 443,917 households | 2.8%; $2,340 on $82,931 | rank 14 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 54,106 households | 12.0% of 452,683 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 24 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 12.98 ¢/kWh | bill $111 a month at 853 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVWhere Montana's low-income bills bite hardest
- Highest burden: Sheridan County 24.6% (388 households); Rosebud County 20.6% (1,084 households); Musselshell County 20.3% (707 households); Wheatland County 17.7% (348 households).
- Most low-income households: Yellowstone County 15,479 (8.2%); Missoula County 12,535 (7.4%); Flathead County 11,014 (9.8%).
42 counties.
Montana in numbers
- Montana ranks 11th of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($52), 24th on households below the poverty line (12.0%) and 11th on low-income energy burden (10.3%).
- Per household below the poverty line (54,106 of them) the FY26 funds come to $436, rank 12th of 51: 33% of a typical year's electricity ($1,328). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 16,494 households got help in FY2022 against 116,681 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 14% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $689, 52% of that year.
- Heating season: Year-round. Counted FY2024: heating, weatherization.
- Neighbours: FY26 dollars per household run from $33 (Idaho) to $73 (North Dakota); low-income burden from 7.8% (North Dakota) to 9.8% (Wyoming). Montana: $52 and 10.3%.
LIHEAP in Montana: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | Montana | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $23,583,999 = $20,648,503 + $537,540 IIJA + $2,397,956 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | 60% State Median Income Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Level | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating: $180 minimum, $3,228 maximum Crisis: $9,999 maximum | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 14,675 Year-round Crisis: 344 Weatherization: 414 | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Program dates | Heating: Year-round Crisis: Year-round Weatherization: Year-round | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
CSV
CSVAm I likely eligible in Montana?
Montana sets its limit at 60% of state median income; no estimate here. Median household income is $69,922.
Shutoff rules and moratoria in Montana
Montana: cold weather by dates; hot weather by none listed; health or age needs yes.
| Protection | Montana |
|---|---|
| Colder months, by date | November 1 - April 1 |
| Health or age needs | No disconnects with a doctor's note confirming risk to health All shutoff restrictions are based on need criteria, no general disconnect moratorium, but all shutoffs must be approved during winter months. |
| Also listed | "All disconnects must be approved by PSC, an no houses below federal poverty guidelines, public assistance households, or elderly/handicapped households will be disconnected." |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites MT Rule Subchapter 38.5.14; Winter Moratorium Explained.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: Mont. Admin. R. 38.5.1401-38.5.1418 (Subchapter 38.5.14, Termination of Gas and Electric Service); read 1401-1415, 1418. Montana bars winter shutoffs (Nov 1-Apr 1) without Commission approval, and on any freezing or snowstorm day protects customers who cannot pay, or who include someone 62+ or handicapped. Termination needs two written notices at least 10 days apart (second 10 days before cutoff), only 8 a.m.-noon, and a health professional certificate stops termination for 180 days with a payment arrangement. Quote: “No termination of service may take place during the period of November 1st to April 1st except with specific prior approval of the Commission.”. Source: text of the rule (Wayback of state official (Montana Secretary of State rules.mt.gov); 38.5.1405-1408 read on Cornell LII).
| Point | Montana: Mont. Admin. R. 38.5.1401-38.5.1418 (Subchapter 38.5.14, Termination of Gas and Electric Service); read 1401-1415, 1418 |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | 38.5.1410: Nov 1 to Apr 1, and any day the 8 a.m. temperature is at or below freezing or a snowstorm/freezing temperatures are forecast within 24 hours, no residential termination if the customer establishes inability to pay (or ability to pay only installments), or a household member is 62+ or handicapped. No termination Nov 1-Apr 1 except with specific prior Commission approval. |
| Who is protected | 38.5.1411: no termination where a licensed health care professional certifies in writing that loss of service would aggravate a medical condition threatening a permanent resident; certificate valid 180 days, renewable; payment arrangement required, and arrears of $500 or more trigger a monthly arrangement. Inability to pay defined as public assistance or income at or below federal poverty guidelines (1401(7)). |
| Notice | 38.5.1405: written notice required; if no response within 10 days of the first notice mailing, a second notice by first-class or certified mail at least 10 days before termination; 5 business days if bad check or breached payment agreement; diligent in-person/phone contact or conspicuous notice before termination. 38.5.1412: only 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, not on a day (or the day before) the utility is unavailable to reconnect. |
| Payment plan | 38.5.1415: when a customer cannot pay in full the utility may keep serving if they agree on an immediate portion and a schedule for the rest; reasonableness considers ability to pay, balance, history and reasons. |
| Who the rule covers | 38.5.1401: "customer" means a purchaser of gas or electric service supplied by a utility for residential purposes. Whether co-ops/municipal utilities are covered not read (municipally owned utilities have a separate subchapter 38.5.7, not read). |
| Complaints | 38.5.1408: utility must offer a dispute procedure, tell the customer in writing they may appeal to the Public Service Commission; formal complaint under ARM 38.2.2101 if not resolved informally. No phone read. |
Not found in the text we read: heat; verify with the commission. Rules 1416-1417, municipal-utility subchapter, tariffs and any recent amendments to subchapter 38.5.14 not read; no hot-weather rule found.
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
Utility and state bill programs in Montana
- Northwestern Energy Discount Customers who qualify for LIHEAP, automatically receive a discount on their NorthWestern Energy electric and natural gas bills. Apply for LIHEAP through a local Human Resource Council. 1-833-317-1080
- 50% Basic Charge Waiver Eligible members receive a credit equal to half the basic charge on their bill each month. Residential members must qualify as low-income according to the guidelines set by LIHEAP (150% of federal poverty level). Members...
- Senior Income Eligible Discount Available to members of the Cooperative, 60 years of age or older who meet LIHEAP eligibility guidelines. Available on a first come, first serve basis. An application is available on the website. 406-222-7778
Excerpts, section of 20 Apr 2026. Utilities: Energy West, Flathead Electric Co-op, Lincoln Electric Co-op, Missoula Electric Co-op, Montana-Dakota Utilities, Northwestern Energy and 3 more.
Next to Montana
Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming. Most FY26 funds per household: North Dakota, $73. Montana: $52. All 51.
Montana on the map
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in Montana
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (Montana Public Service Commission sets rules).
- Call 406-444-1788 or 211.
- Ask about dates-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: Montana Public Service Commission, 800-646-6150.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
How much LIHEAP money does Montana get?
$23.6 million in FY2026, $52 per household, rank 11 of 51.
What income limit does Montana use for LIHEAP?
60% of state median income; median household income $69,922; FY2022 heating standard 198% for four.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Montana?
Call 406-444-1788. Site: https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance
Can Montana utilities cut power in winter or summer?
dates for cold; none listed for heat. November 1 - April 1
How big is the energy burden in Montana?
10.3% of income for low-income households, 2.8% for all; $1,939 a year for the first group.
How many Montana households got energy help?
16,494 in FY2022, 14,675 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $689.
Is LIHEAP money enough for a Montana bill?
$436 per poor household, 33% of $1,328.