Help paying your electric bill in Vermont
Vermont got $23.1 million in the HHS table, about $86 for each of its 269,466 households. Income limit 60% of state median income; public line 1-800-775-0516. Heating help reached 23,293 households in FY2024.
Who to call in Vermont
- Vermont LIHEAP public line1-800-775-0516
- State program sitedcf.vermont.gov/benefits/eap
- Vermont Public Utility Commission800-622-4496 · 802-828-2811 · puc.vermont.gov · complaint form (links checked 2026-10-02)
How heavy is the energy bill in Vermont?
13.1% of income in low-income households, 3.8% overall. Ranking, Vermont prices.
| Group | Count | Vermont detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 69,700 households | 13.1% of income; $2,652 a year on $20,260 | rank 1 of 51 |
| All households | 265,858 households | 3.8%; $3,472 on $91,285 | rank 2 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 28,690 households | 10.6% of 269,466 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 38 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 22.92 ¢/kWh | bill $136 a month at 594 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVWhere Vermont's low-income bills bite hardest
- Highest burden: Grand Isle County 16.8% (637 households); Essex County 16.6% (991 households); Lamoille County 16.0% (2,900 households); Orleans County 15.1% (3,658 households).
- Most low-income households: Chittenden County 15,014 (7.8%); Rutland County 8,017 (14.0%); Windsor County 6,656 (14.7%).
14 counties.
Vermont in numbers
- Vermont ranks 1st of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($86), 38th on households below the poverty line (10.6%) and 1st on low-income energy burden (13.1%).
- Per household below the poverty line (28,690 of them) the FY26 funds come to $806, rank 1st of 51: 49% of a typical year's electricity ($1,634). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 28,241 households got help in FY2022 against 69,700 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 41% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $572, 35% of that year.
- Heating season: Year-round. Counted FY2024: heating, winter crisis, weatherization.
- Neighbours: FY26 dollars per household run from $52 (New York) to $61 (New Hampshire); low-income burden from 8.4% (New York) to 9.8% (New Hampshire). Vermont: $86 and 13.1%.
LIHEAP in Vermont: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | Vermont | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $23,126,077 = $20,247,575 + $527,105 IIJA + $2,351,397 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | 60% State Median Income | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating: $21 minimum, $2,089 maximum Winter Crisis: $2,479.64 maximum | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 23,293 Winter Crisis: 2,676 Weatherization: 177 | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
| Program dates | Heating: Year-round Crisis: Year-round Weatherization: Year-round | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
CSV
CSVAm I likely eligible in Vermont?
Vermont sets its limit at 60% of state median income; no estimate here. Median household income is $78,024.
Shutoff rules and moratoria in Vermont
Vermont: cold weather by temperature; hot weather by none listed; health or age needs yes.
| Protection | Vermont |
|---|---|
| Cold temperature | No disconnects when 10 degrees or lower, no disconnects for the elderly when below 32°F. |
| Health or age needs | 30-day disconnect delay if detrimental to health, must have physician certification, can be used for up to 3 thirty day periods within a year. |
| Also listed | No disconnects if customer owes less than $50. |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites Disconnection of Residential Gas, Electric, and Water Service.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: Vt. PUC Rule 3.300 (Disconnection of Residential Gas, Electric, and Water Service), secs. 3.301-3.307. Vermont bars winter gas/electric shutoff (Nov 1-Mar 31) when forecast is below 10 F, and for households with someone 62+ when below 32 F. A physician's certificate gives 30-day holds (max three a year). Under $50 delinquency exception is limited to two billing cycles a year. Quote: “When temperatures are forecast to fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit during that period, the utility is prohibited from performing disconnections.”. Source: text of the rule (state official (Vermont Public Utility Commission PDF)).
| Point | Vermont: Vt. PUC Rule 3.300 (Disconnection of Residential Gas, Electric, and Water Service), secs. 3.301-3.307 |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | Nov 1-Mar 31: no gas/electric disconnection unless extra contact steps met (oral contact within 96 hours, further attempts, report to Dept of Public Service); disconnection prohibited if NWS forecast shows below 10 F in a 48-hour period starting 7-10 a.m. on the planned date; households with a member aged 62+ protected if below 32 F forecast over 48 hours, if account holder gives advance written notice. |
| Heat | No season or temperature ban found in the text read. |
| Who is protected | Physician's certificate of immediate serious health hazard blocks disconnection; valid 30 days or length of hazard, renewable once; limited to two consecutive 30-day periods and no more than three 30-day periods per calendar year unless Commission orders otherwise; reconnection within 24 hours on certificate. Disconnection also barred if only a disputed amount referred to the Commission. |
| Notice | Written notice on approved form (or electronic notice) sent not more than 20 nor less than 14 days before first disconnection date, within 40 days after delinquency; disconnection window 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (remote 9-11 a.m.). Delinquency = unpaid 30 days after bill transmitted. |
| Payment plan | No disconnection if customer has not been offered a reasonable repayment plan (and, for gas/electric, a monthly installment plan for future bills). Restoration if customer pays half of arrears (or less if negotiated) and agrees to repay the rest over at least 3 months (utility not obliged to do more than two such plans per customer per year). Budget billing required. |
| Who the rule covers | Residential gas, electric and water service by 'utility' (rule text read does not say whether co-ops/munis are covered). |
| Complaints | Notice must give Dept of Public Service Consumer Affairs Division (CAPI) address, phone and toll-free number, and explain how to dispute to the Commission. Phone numbers not read this session. |
Read the full rule text (11 pp.); did not read Vermont statutes (30 V.S.A.), tariffs, or Rule 3.200 deposits.
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
Utility and state bill programs in Vermont
- General Assistance provides emergency help to meet basic needs, including fuel and utilities. Eligible are persons with little or no income and resources who are unable to work or who have employment barriers. Also persons who...
Excerpts, section of 20 Apr 2026. Utilities: none.
Next to Vermont
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York. Most FY26 funds per household: New Hampshire, $61. Vermont: $86. All 51.
Vermont on the map
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in Vermont
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (Vermont Public Utility Commission sets rules).
- Call 1-800-775-0516 or 211.
- Ask about temperature-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: Vermont Public Utility Commission, 800-622-4496.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
How big is the energy burden in Vermont?
13.1% of income for low-income households, 3.8% for all; $2,652 a year for the first group.
How many Vermont households got energy help?
28,241 in FY2022, 23,293 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $572.
Is LIHEAP money enough for a Vermont bill?
$806 per poor household, 49% of $1,634.
How much LIHEAP money does Vermont get?
$23.1 million in FY2026, $86 per household, rank 1 of 51.
What income limit does Vermont use for LIHEAP?
60% of state median income; median household income $78,024; FY2022 heating standard 225% for four.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Vermont?
Call 1-800-775-0516. Site: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/eap
Can Vermont utilities cut power in winter or summer?
temperature for cold; none listed for heat. No disconnects when 10 degrees or lower, no disconnects for the elderly when below 32°F.