Help paying your electric bill in Tennessee
Tennessee got $69.8 million in the HHS table, about $25 for each of its 2,768,743 households. Income limit 60% of state median income; public line 1-800-228-8432. Heating help reached 67,409 households in FY2024.
Who to call in Tennessee
- Tennessee LIHEAP public line1-800-228-8432
- State program sitethda.org/help-for-homeowners/energy-assistance-programs/low-
- Tennessee Public Utility Commission800-342-8359 · 615-741-2904 · tn.gov/tpuc · complaint form (links checked 2026-10-02)
Tennessee in numbers
- Tennessee ranks 38th of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($25), 11th on households below the poverty line (13.8%) and 25th on low-income energy burden (9.1%).
- Per household below the poverty line (382,900 of them) the FY26 funds come to $182, rank 39th of 51: 9% of a typical year's electricity ($1,925). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 117,108 households got help in FY2022 against 725,009 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 16% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $720, 37% 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 $24 (Georgia) to $37 (Missouri); low-income burden from 7.5% (Virginia) to 12.4% (Mississippi). Tennessee: $25 and 9.1%.
Where Tennessee's low-income bills bite hardest
- Highest burden: Houston County 13.1% (953 households); Carroll County 12.7% (3,987 households); Chester County 12.1% (2,073 households); Pickett County 11.9% (911 households).
- Most low-income households: Shelby County 106,513 (10.2%); Davidson County 64,372 (8.5%); Knox County 47,708 (7.9%).
95 counties.
LIHEAP in Tennessee: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | Tennessee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $69,833,695 = $62,850,325 + $0 IIJA + $6,983,370 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | 60% State Median Income Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Level | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating and Cooling: $174 minimum, $750 maximum Crisis: $750 maximum | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 67,409 Cooling: 18,205 Winter Crisis: 25,372 Summer Crisis: 6,551 Weatherization: 264 | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Program dates | Heating: October 1 - April 30 Cooling: May 1 - September 30 Crisis: Year-round Weatherization: Year-round | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
CSV
CSVAm I likely eligible in Tennessee?
Tennessee sets its limit at 60% of state median income; no estimate here. Median household income is $67,097.
Tennessee on the map
Shutoff rules and moratoria in Tennessee
Tennessee: cold weather by none listed; hot weather by none listed; health or age needs no.
| Protection | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Extreme weather | See Additional Disconnect Policy Information below |
| Also listed | Disconnect procedures in extreme weather are determined by each utility separately but must be approved by the PSC. |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites Electric Utility Customer FAQ.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1220-04-04-.19 (cited in the PDF as 1220-4-4-.19, Tennessee Regulatory Authority rules, ch. 1220-4-4, July 2006 revision), with .03, .20, .23. Rule requires at least 7 days' mailed notice and a chance to dispute before electric termination. A 30-day medical-emergency postponement applies to residential customers with written certification. No winter or heat protection appears in this chapter. Quote: “shall be at least seven (7) days after the utility sends the notice by first class mail.”. Source: text of the rule (state official (TN Secretary of State rules PDF)).
| Point | Tennessee: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1220-04-04-.19 (cited in the PDF as 1220-4-4-.19, Tennessee Regulatory Authority rules, ch. 1220-4-4, July 2006 revision), with .03, .20, .23 |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | No season or temperature ban found in the text read. |
| Heat | No season or temperature ban found in the text read. |
| Who is protected | Utility must postpone residential termination 30 days if a physician, public health officer or social service official certifies in writing that disconnection would aggravate an existing medical emergency of the customer or another permanent resident; customer is referred to social service agencies in that period. Third-party notification option for all customers. |
| Notice | Termination notice (may be on the bill) must set a date at least 7 days after it is sent by first class mail; must state reason, reconnection fee info, utility contact, and name/address of the regulator; for nonpayment must say if bill is actual or estimated. No termination on a day, or the day before a day, when the utility is closed to the public for reconnection (except hazard/tampering/unauthorized-use cases). |
| Payment plan | Notice must give number where customer can 'enter into a service continuation agreement'; policy statement must explain alternative payment arrangements for residential customers temporarily unable to pay. No fixed installment terms in text read. |
| Who the rule covers | 'Utility' is defined as any electric company operating under the jurisdiction of the Authority (now TPUC); co-op/muni coverage not stated in text read. |
| Complaints | Notice must name the regulator's address; policy statement must give regulator's address and toll-free number. Rule .23 only requires utility to investigate complaints promptly. Commission phone not read this session. |
Read only ch. 1220-4-4 (2006 revised PDF; may predate later amendments); did not read utility tariffs, co-op/muni rules, or TPUC statutes (T.C.A. Title 65).
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
How heavy is the energy bill in Tennessee?
9.1% of income in low-income households, 2.4% overall. Ranking, Tennessee prices.
| Group | Count | Tennessee detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 725,009 households | 9.1% of income; $1,726 a year on $18,964 | rank 25 of 51 |
| All households | 2,713,635 households | 2.4%; $2,042 on $85,780 | rank 29 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 382,900 households | 13.8% of 2,768,743 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 11 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 13.18 ¢/kWh | bill $160 a month at 1,217 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVUtility and state bill programs in Tennessee
- On Track A payment program designed to help customers with limited incomes to manage debt and pay off their bills over a period of time. The program focuses on education, financial management and social services. To qualify for the...
Excerpts, section of 20 Apr 2026. Utilities: Appalachian Power, Athens Utility Board, Atmos Energy, Clarksville Department of Electricity, Cumberland Electric, Duck River Electric and 16 more.
Next to Tennessee
Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia. Most FY26 funds per household: Missouri, $37. Tennessee: $25. All 51.
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in Tennessee
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (Tennessee Public Utility Commission sets rules).
- Call 1-800-228-8432 or 211.
- Ask about none listed-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: Tennessee Public Utility Commission, 800-342-8359.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
How much LIHEAP money does Tennessee get?
$69.8 million in FY2026, $25 per household, rank 38 of 51.
What income limit does Tennessee use for LIHEAP?
60% of state median income; median household income $67,097; FY2022 heating standard 183% for four.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Tennessee?
Call 1-800-228-8432. Site: https://thda.org/help-for-homeowners/energy-assistance-programs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
Can Tennessee utilities cut power in winter or summer?
none listed for cold; none listed for heat.
How big is the energy burden in Tennessee?
9.1% of income for low-income households, 2.4% for all; $1,726 a year for the first group.
How many Tennessee households got energy help?
117,108 in FY2022, 67,409 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $720.
Is LIHEAP money enough for a Tennessee bill?
$182 per poor household, 9% of $1,925.