Many families and households struggle with the rising costs of utilities, and it can be overwhelming to balance these costs with everything else you need for your family. No one should have to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries. The good news is that help is available. 

 At Opportunity Council, we want to help ease the burden of high energy costs this winter. Here, we’ll walk you through the energy assistance programs available to you and how to find out if you qualify. We’ll share everything you need to know about getting help paying for electricity and heat, including what help is available, when to apply, and who can use each program. If you’re a resident of Whatcom, Island, or San Juan County, we can help you.  

Our energy assistance programs keep you on strong footing so you can focus on what truly matters: your well-being and your family. 

What We Can Help With 

We may be able to help you with the costs of: 

  • Electricity 
  • Natural Gas 
  • Propane or Heating Oil 
  • Wood or Presto Logs 
  • Furnace Repair or Replacement 

With multiple energy assistance programs available, we may be able to help with your household’s specific needs. 

The Lowdown on Energy Assistance Programs 

Opportunity Council administers multiple programs to help with utility bills. Each program offers slightly different aid and has different requirements. That being said, don’t worry about knowing the ins and outs of every one of these programs. If you’re looking for help or just have more questions, contact your local community resource center. 

  1. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

  • LIHEAP is a federally funded program that can help qualifying households with a range of heating costs including electricity, natural gas, wood or presto logs, propane, heating oil, and even heat included in your rent through one-time grants. 
  • Anyone responsible for paying their heating costs can apply if they meet income requirements. You can still qualify if your utilities are included in your rent, as long as you pay ltoward that rent. 

LIHEAP also offers: 

  • Furnace Repair:

    If you own your home, you can apply for repairs or replacement of your heating system (up to $10,000). If you’re in a crisis situation with no heat, you may qualify for a special appointment. 

  • Portable Air Conditioners:

    If you receive LIHEAP assistance, you might also be eligible for a portable air conditioner, available to older adults, people receiving federal disability benefits, or families with young children.  

Programs Offered Through Local Utilities 

Local utility companies also may be able to help with costs this winter and may offer discounts or payment forgiveness plans. Unlike with LIHEAP, going directly through a utility often does not require making an appointment.  

  1. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Programs 

  • The Past Due Bill Forgiveness Plan program helps you manage past due amounts, potentially forgiving part of your debt. You’re eligible when your balances are 30 days or more past due. You must opt in at the time of your application to PSE HELP or the Bill Discount Rate (BDR). 

  1. Cascade Arrearage Relief & Energy Savings (CARES)

  • CARES offers a Bill Discount Rate program that provides a discount on the monthly bill for income-qualifying folks. 
  • Its Arrearage Relief program may forgive part or all of past due balances and lets you apply twice per program year for up to $500 annually. If you’re enrolled, you also may be able to get a flexible payment plan. You’re eligible if you’re already receiving the Bill Discount Rate. Cascade Winter Help may also be available. 

  1. OPALCO Energy Assist Program

  • The program provides a monthly bill credit to qualifying Residential rate customers who have qualified for assistance through another program for low-income households, and its amount depends on the number of people in the household. 

How Eligibility Is Decided 

Eligibility for energy assistance is usually determined by Household Size and Monthly Income. You may be asked to provide documentation of these at your scheduled appointment.  

  1. Household Size: This is how many people live in your home, including both children and adults. 
  1. Monthly Income: This is the total monthly income from everyone in your household. 

Fluctuating Income: If your income or household size changes from month to month, that’s okay! Just reach out to us if you’re unsure about your eligibility.  

Use our pre-screening tool to see if you qualify. 

You May Qualify If Your Income Is: 

Program  Income Limit 
LIHEAP  150% of the Federal Poverty Level 
PSE HELP  200% of the Federal Poverty Level or 80% of Area Median Income 
PSE Bill Discount Rate  200% of the Federal Poverty Level or 80% of Area Median Income 
PSE Past Due Bill Forgiveness Plan  200% of the Federal Poverty Level or 80% of Area Median Income 

 

 
CARES Bill Discount Rate  200% of the Federal Poverty Level or 80% of Area Median Income 

More information on income requirements per household size is available online. See if you qualify and set up an appointment. 

What If You Receive a Disconnect Notice? 

If you’ve received a notice that your utilities may be disconnected or if you’re running low on heating fuel, please don’t wait to reach out. We have a limited number of urgent appointments available each week, and we will do our best to assist you quickly. 

To qualify for a crisis appointment, you must meet one of the following conditions: 

  • Have received a disconnection notice or currently be disconnected from your primary heating source. 
  • Have less than 10% of your propane or heating oil left, or have only a 5-day supply of wood for heating. 

Calling our Energy Assistance Scheduling and Information Line at (360) 255-2192 (Whatcom) or your local Community Resource Center is the best way to get connected with available resources. 

When Should You Apply? 

If you are an older adult 60 or older, or someone receiving federal disability benefits, you qualify for early scheduling: 

  • Early Senior Scheduling has already passed and occurred September 9 – 18  
  • Early Disability Scheduling has already passed and occurred September 30 – October 10 

General scheduling for the public begins on November 2 for Island and Whatcom counties. These programs fill quickly, so it’s important to reach out as soon as you can. Island County residents can call the Island County Resource Center at (360) 679-6577 or 1-800-317-5427. Whatcom residents can call the Energy Assistance Scheduling and Information Line at (360) 255-2192 or 1-888-586-7293 , or see if you qualify and set up an appointment on our website. 

What We’re Here For 

We understand how high and overwhelming utility costs can be, and we want to help. Our energy assistance programs are here to make sure you can keep your home warm and safe. 

If you have any questions or need help with the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can find the assistance you need to keep your lights and heat on. 

Contact Us 

For further assistance, contact your local Community Resource Center or the energy assistance line (for Whatcom residents). 

Whatcom Community Resource Center: call (360) 255-2192 or go through our pre-screening online to schedule an appointment. 

Island County Resource Center: Call (360) 679-6577. 

When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday. 

East Whatcom Regional Resource Center: Call (360) 599-3944. 

San Juan Island: Call the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center at (360) 378-5246. 

Orcas Island: Call the Orcas Community Resource Center at (360) 376-3184. 

Lopez Island: Call the Lopez Island Family Resource Center at (360) 468-4117. 

Your safety and well-being matter. Let’s work together to make sure you and your family have everything you need. For more information, visit our energy assistance page.