Help paying your electric bill in West Virginia
West Virginia got $35.2 million in the HHS table, about $49 for each of its 721,448 households. Income limit 60% of state median income; public line 304-205-6357. Heating help reached 45,270 households in FY2024.
Who to call in West Virginia
- West Virginia LIHEAP public line304-205-6357
- State program sitedhhr.wv.gov/bfa/programs/Pages/LIEAP.aspx
- Public Service Commission of West Virginia800-344-5113 · 304-340-0300 · psc.state.wv.us/default.htm (links checked 2026-10-02)
How heavy is the energy bill in West Virginia?
11.8% of income in low-income households, 3.1% overall. Ranking, West Virginia prices.
| Group | Count | West Virginia detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 212,049 households | 11.8% of income; $1,895 a year on $16,105 | rank 4 of 51 |
| All households | 716,040 households | 3.1%; $2,214 on $71,660 | rank 5 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 123,112 households | 17.1% of 721,448 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 4 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 15.41 ¢/kWh | bill $165 a month at 1,073 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVWhere West Virginia's low-income bills bite hardest
- Highest burden: McDowell County 18.3% (3,507 households); Monroe County 16.5% (1,244 households); Mingo County 16.1% (4,217 households); Webster County 15.8% (1,164 households).
- Most low-income households: Kanawha County 22,193 (12.4%); Cabell County 13,341 (11.9%); Monongalia County 12,217 (7.2%).
55 counties.
West Virginia in numbers
- West Virginia ranks 12th of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($49), 4th on households below the poverty line (17.1%) and 4th on low-income energy burden (11.8%).
- Per household below the poverty line (123,112 of them) the FY26 funds come to $286, rank 28th of 51: 14% of a typical year's electricity ($1,984). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 59,194 households got help in FY2022 against 212,049 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 28% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $479, 24% of that year.
- Heating season: November 1 - September 30. Counted FY2024: heating, winter crisis, weatherization.
- Neighbours: FY26 dollars per household run from $31 (Virginia) to $44 (Pennsylvania); low-income burden from 6.8% (Maryland) to 10.2% (Kentucky). West Virginia: $49 and 11.8%.
LIHEAP in West Virginia: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | West Virginia | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $35,169,635 = $30,792,073 + $801,608 IIJA + $3,575,954 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | 60% State Median Income; (Households of 8 or more at 150% Federal Poverty Level) Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Level | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating: $1 minimum, $10,000 maximum Cooling: $1 minimum, $10,000 maximum Winter Crisis: $2,000 maximum Weatherization: $12,000 maximum | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 45,270 Winter Crisis: 3,235 Weatherization: 586 | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
| Program dates | Heating: November 1 - September 30 Cooling: December 1- September 30 Winter Crisis: January 1 - August 30 Weatherization: Year-Round | snapshot 19 Aug 2026 |
CSV
CSVAm I likely eligible in West Virginia?
West Virginia sets its limit at 60% of state median income; no estimate here. Median household income is $57,917.
Shutoff rules and moratoria in West Virginia
West Virginia: cold weather by temperature; hot weather by none listed; health or age needs no.
| Protection | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Cold temperature | No disconnects when temperature is 32°F or below. |
| Also listed | Only protections are that 3 additional contact attempts must be made before disconnection in winter months and when a medical condition is present. |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites Public Utilities: Deposits, Shut offs, and Reconnections.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: W. Va. CSR 150-3 (Rules for the Government of Electric Utilities), Rule 4.8 (utility discontinuance of service). West Virginia bans disconnection on days forecast 32 F or colder, and on Fridays, weekends and holidays. Nov-Mar and certified health conditions require three contact attempts including a site visit, not a ban. Deferred payment plans: 12 months standard. Quote: “that the National Weather Service predicts the temperature to be thirty-two (32) degrees or colder at or near the customer’s service location.”. Source: text of the rule (state official (WV Secretary of State CSR, Word file; PDF is image-only)).
| Point | West Virginia: W. Va. CSR 150-3 (Rules for the Government of Electric Utilities), Rule 4.8 (utility discontinuance of service) |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | Nov 1-Mar 31 is a 'Seasonal Time Period': no ban, but utility must make three personal-contact attempts (incl. an on-site visit) instead of two. Separately, service may not be discontinued on a day the NWS predicts 32 F or colder at or near the service location. |
| Heat | No season or temperature ban found in the text read. |
| Who is protected | Certified Health Condition (physician, NP or PA written certification, received within 10 days, renewed every 30 days unless permanent) raises contact attempts to three; it does not itself prohibit disconnection. Designated third-party notice available. |
| Notice | Written Form 14-E by first class mail postmarked at least 10 days before termination, plus 2 (or 3) personal-contact attempts on separate business days, last one at least 48 hours before. No disconnection on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, days before a day payment cannot be accepted, or outside 8 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Payment plan | Residential customer may negotiate a deferred payment agreement; standard plan is 12 monthly payments with 2% service fee (shorter term accepted on request); non-standard plan negotiable; customer may seek PSC help. |
| Who the rule covers | Rule 1.1: electric utilities subject to the jurisdiction of the WV Public Service Commission; co-op/muni coverage not stated in text read. |
| Complaints | Utility must tell customer they may request assistance from, or file a formal complaint with, the Commission (150 CSR 1). Phone not read this session. |
Read rule text of 150 CSR 3 (2018 version) in full for 4.8; did not read tariffs, other sections or 2018-onward amendments. DocId 50441 assumed to be the 6/11/2018 Final File listed on SOS page.
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
Utility and state bill programs in West Virginia
- All gas and electric utilities offer a reduced rate of 20% from November - March. Eligible customers must receive either SSI, WV WORKS, or Food Stamps AND be 60 years of age or older. Customers must be a recipient of one of these...
- The discount is a Commission Order, dated March 10,1984 and is administered by West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Office of Family Support. The electric and/or gas company will be responsible for...
Excerpts, section of 19 Aug 2026. Utilities: none.
Next to West Virginia
Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia. Most FY26 funds per household: Pennsylvania, $44. West Virginia: $49. All 51.
West Virginia on the map
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in West Virginia
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (Public Service Commission of West Virginia sets rules).
- Call 304-205-6357 or 211.
- Ask about temperature-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: Public Service Commission of West Virginia, 800-344-5113.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
How do I apply for LIHEAP in West Virginia?
Call 304-205-6357. Site: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/programs/Pages/LIEAP.aspx
Can West Virginia utilities cut power in winter or summer?
temperature for cold; none listed for heat. No disconnects when temperature is 32°F or below.
How big is the energy burden in West Virginia?
11.8% of income for low-income households, 3.1% for all; $1,895 a year for the first group.
How many West Virginia households got energy help?
59,194 in FY2022, 45,270 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $479.
Is LIHEAP money enough for a West Virginia bill?
$286 per poor household, 14% of $1,984.
How much LIHEAP money does West Virginia get?
$35.2 million in FY2026, $49 per household, rank 12 of 51.
What income limit does West Virginia use for LIHEAP?
60% of state median income; median household income $57,917; FY2022 heating standard 175% for four.