Bill Payment Assistance Guide

01.01.2024

Getting Started

Resources For Louisiana Residents Struggling to Pay their Energy Bills

The Alliance for Affordable Energy does not provide bill assistance, but we can help connect you to resources.

We have compiled this list of resources available to residents in Louisiana struggling to pay their energy bills. This list includes programs provided by Entergy, SWEPCO, Cleco, the New Orleans City Council, the Louisiana Public Service Commission, and other local, state, federal and private entities. This is by no means a complete list of the bill assistance programs available to residents in Louisiana, but these programs are certainly a good starting point.

If you are struggling to pay your energy bill we recommend you reach out to your regulators to let them know that your energy bills have spiked beyond your ability to pay and encourage them to act in the best interest of residents like you!

Not sure where to get started, use our template below.

Write Your Regulator

Federal Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Program Provider: Federal government & local LIHEAP offices
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP, is a federally funded program that helps households* with their energy bills. The LIHEAP program may provide heating/cooling bill payment assistance, crisis bill payment assistance, and/or heating/cooling equipment repair/replacement assistance. Funds are distributed through local administering agencies. Please note funds are limited and not always available. Check with your local administering agency about funding availability.

Eligability

The LIHEAP Eligibility Tool can help you figure out if you qualify: liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/eligibility-tool

Applicant must be responsible for the household energy bill
Applicant must have an active heating/cooling utility account
Must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below 60% of the state median income:
- For a household of 1 in LA that is $27,123
- For a household of 2 in LA that is $35,468
- Click here to see estimated 2024 income guidelines for larger households
Applicant may only receive one LIHEAP benefit each season
- Heating: November 15 – March 15
- Cooling: April 1 – September 30
- Crisis: October 1 – September 30

How to Apply

Apply through your local administering agency

Total Community Action (TCA) helps individuals in Orleans Parish apply for LIHEAP money

Fill out the online energy application form
Or print the energy application form & return the completed application to 1410 S Norman C Francis Pkwy INSIDE the building
You can also pick up the application packet at 1420 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy in box outside
Packet contains the application, instructions, FAQs, and document checklist
TCA offers telephone access for Senior and Disabled residents. Elderly and disabled clients can schedule a help appointment for their applications through the IT Front Desk platform or by calling (504) 872-0334.

Information Needed to Apply

Valid Driver License or State ID
Social Security Card (all members of the household)
Proof of Residence:
- a) Non-Public Housing; Deeds, Home Exemption document, Lease or Rent Receipt
- b) Subsidize Housing Document or Section 8 Resident Work sheets (All residence documents must be signed by Caseworker or Landlord)
Proof of Income: Income must be reported for all members of the household
- a) Contribution letters with a copy of a valid ID of the person making the contribution (The contributor cannot be a LIHEAP recipient)
- b) Last four Consecutive Check Stubs, Unemployment Benefit printout
- c) Current year Benefits Award Letters (Social Security, SSI, Veterans, Pension)
- d) Self- Employed – Prior Tax Year Return
- e) Recently Laid off: Letter of Termination
- 5) Food Stamp Print Out (Issuance date must be within 30 days)
- 6) Energy Bill /Disconnect Notice (Crisis Only)
- 7) Household members 18 years or older with no income must complete a Zero Income form and have a valid ID.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Program Provider: Federal government & local community action agencies

The Weatherization Assistance Program, also known as WAP, is a federally-funded program administered through local community action agencies that primarily focuses on helping elderly (60 years of age and older), disabled and low-income households make their homes more energy efficient. In Louisiana, the Louisiana Housing Corporation works in partnership with local providers to implement the Program.

Energy efficiency improvements help you save money in the long run by fixing leaky doors or windows, installing insulation, and fixing or replacing broken or inefficient furnaces or air conditioners. After a free energy audit of a qualified resident’s home, the program will pay for installation of the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures. These improvements may include insulation installation, air sealing, weather-stripping, duct sealing, and other energy-saving measures.

Eligability

Maximum annual income levels for 2023:

For a household of 1 in LA: $29,160
For a household of 2 in LA: $39,440
For a household of 3 in LA: $49,720
Click here to see income guidelines for larger households

Additional waiting list points are given to the following groups:

Persons 60 years of age and older
Families with children 17 years of age and under
One whose disability has been established in accordance with the Title XXVI of the Social Security Act for the SSI Program.
Households with a high energy burden
If you rent, you must get written permission from your landlord before Weatherization services can be performed.

How to Apply

Apply with your local community action agency

List of local community action agencies (search by zip code)
QUAD provides weatherization assistance to Orleans Parish Residents

Information Needed to Apply

Last four consecutive copies of check stubs for all employed household members 18 years of age or older
Proof of unearned income (Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, Disability, etc.)
Proof of present address (rent receipt, lease or deed, etc.)
A copy of a current gas, electric or propane bill
Must have valid driver’s license or picture ID of all household member 18 years of age or older
A copy of Social Security cards for all household members
Additional information may be required to determine your eligibility for weatherization assistance

Programs Offered by Cleco

Cleco Credit Extension Agreement

Cleco may provide customers facing hardship additional time to pay an outstanding balance

HOW TO APPLY:

To inquire about an extension, call Cleco customer service at 1-800-622-6537 or visit one of their customer service offices

Cleco Energy Emergency Deferred Billing Program

If the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) declares an energy emergency, eligible customers may defer a portion of their energy bill for up to 12 months. The amount deferred will equal the amount in excess of a customer’s previous year’s Cleco bill for the period of time specified in the emergency.

For example, if your current January bill is $160, and your bill last year January was $100, you will need to pay $100 towards your current balance, and $60 can be deferred.

ELIGIBILITY:

LPSC has declared an energy emergency
Last year’s bill for the must be at least $20 lower than the bill for the specified period of time deemed an emergency.
Income level at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
- For a household of 1: $22,590
- For a household of 2: $30,660
- For a household of 3: $38,730
- Click here to see income guidelines for larger households

HOW TO APPLY:

Enroll with your local community action agency
Provide your Cleco bill and proof that establishes you as an eligible member
The agency will forward approved applicants to Cleco

Cleco Unite Us Program

Unite Us does not provide direct funding for services but connects individuals to community-based resources beyond utilities to help meet various needs. Unite Us can connect Cleco customers to resources to obtain food, clothing, lodging, childcare, transportation, mental health services, utility bill payment assistance and more.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply online at: uniteus.com/networks/louisiana/get-help/get-help-4

Cleco Power Wise Weatherization Program

Cleco’s Power Wise weatherization program helps households make their homes more energy efficient. After a free energy audit of your home, the program will pay for installation of some energy efficiency measures and provide you a quote on additional energy-saving improvements. Improvements may include replacement of regular light bulbs with LEDs, installation of low-flow faucet aerators and shower heads, blown-in attic insulation and air & duct sealing to reduce air leakage. Low-income households are eligible to receive these energy efficiency improvements at no cost through Cleco’s Income-Qualified Weatherization Program. Sign up is the same for either program.

ELIGIBILITY:

Home energy assessment and qualified measures are provided, on a first come first serve basis, to eligible Cleco residential customers at no out-of-pocket cost.
- Customers who own or rent their home can register for an assessment; however, renters must obtain permission from their landlord. If the dwelling is a multifamily home, like an apartment building, there must be five or more on-site assessments scheduled to take place.
The Income-Qualified (IQ) Weatherization Program is available for residential customers whose income level is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
- Household of 1: $29,160
- Household of 2: $39,440
- Click here to see income guidelines for larger households

HOW TO APPLY:

Sign up is the same for either weatherization program. Customers may sign up at www.cleco.com/weatherization or by calling Power Wise at 1-833-373-6842. Once signed up, a Cleco-approved contractor will schedule the weatherization assessment.

Cleco Approved Weatherization Contractors

Check Cleco’s website here for more information on all their bill assistance programs: www.cleco.com/residential-commercial/rates-billing-payment/customer-assistance

Programs Offered by Entergy Louisiana (ELL)

ELL Deferred Payment Plan

Eligible customers (qualifying customers facing financial hardship) can take up to 4 months to pay their current bills and unpaid balances.

ELIGIBILITY:

Facing financial hardship

HOW TO APPLY:

Call Entergy (1-800-368-3749) and ask to set up a deferred payment plan
- You’ll get an automated response system at first, try pressing 0 or asking to speak to an operator
Or select Deferred Payment on the Entergy Mobile App
Or request a deferred payment arrangement through myEntergy

ELL Power to Care Program for Seniors & Disabled Individuals

Entergy’s The Power to Care program provides emergency bill payment assistance to seniors and disabled individuals.

ELIGIBILITY:

This program is for customers who are 60 years of age or older or have disabilities – with an annual household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
- For a household of 1 that is: $21,870
- For a household of 2 that is: $29,580
- For a household of 3 that is: $37,290
- Click here to see income guidelines for larger households
Might only be for residents with service disconnection notices

HOW TO APPLY:

List of Administering Agencies by Parish

ELL Solutions Energy Efficiency Program

Entergy Solutions offers programs for Entergy Louisiana customers, both residential and business, to save energy and money by reducing the up-front cost of a variety of energy efficiency upgrades.

Learn more on their website: www.entergy-louisiana.com/energy-efficiency-program

ELL Solutions Income-Qualified Weatherization Program

Entergy Louisiana’s Entergy Solutions Income-Qualified Weatherization Program helps eligible homeowners and renters reduce energy loss and costs with free energy efficiency improvements. Improvements can include attic insulation, air sealing measures, duct sealing, pipe insulation, and more.

ELIGIBILITY:

Income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Household of 1: Maximum Income Level (per year) $29,160
- Household of 2: Maximum Income Level (per year) $39,440
- For larger households see the table here
Availability may be limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply online at www.entergy-louisiana.com/your_home/save_money/ee/assessment or call 844-829-1300.

Programs Offered by Entergy New Orleans (ENO)

ENO Deferred Payment Plan

Eligible customers (qualifying customers facing financial hardship) can take up to 4 months to pay their current bills and unpaid balances.

ELIGIBILITY:

Orleans Parish Resident
Facing financial hardship

HOW TO APPLY:

Call Entergy (1-800-368-3749) and ask to set up a deferred payment plan
- You’ll get an automated response system at first, try pressing 0 or asking to speak to an operator
Or select Deferred Payment on the Entergy Mobile App
Or request a deferred payment arrangement through myEntergy

ENO Power to Care Program for Seniors & Disabled Individuals

Entergy’s The Power to Care program provides emergency bill payment assistance to seniors and disabled individuals.

ELIGIBILITY:

This program is for customers who are 60 years of age or older or have disabilities – with an annual household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
- For a household of 1 that is: $21,870
- For a household of 2 that is: $29,580
- For a household of 3 that is: $37,290
- Click here to see income guidelines for larger households
Might only be for residents with service disconnection notices

HOW TO APPLY:

Orleans Parish resident inquiries should be directed to the New Orleans Council on Aging (NOCOA) at (504) 821-4121.

ENO Energy Smart Home Performance Program

Entergy New Orleans’ Energy Smart Home Performance program provides residential customers in Orleans Parish* with a free home energy assessment (in-person or virtually). Based on their findings an expert will recommend home improvements that can reduce your energy use, improve your comfort, and lower your utility bills. Your initial assessment also includes the installation of products such as energy-efficient light bulbs, smart power strips and more – at no additional cost to you.

After the assessment if you want to go forward with the suggested energy efficiency improvements you can select an approved trade ally based on your audit recommendations. The Energy Smart approved trade ally will provide an estimate for the recommended upgrades and help you to identify specific rebates you may qualify for. Don’t forget to ask about rebates!

ELIGIBILITY:

Orleans Parish Resident
Lives in an existing single-family home or building of one to four residential units
Please be advised if you rent, to participate in the Energy Smart program, you must obtain authorization from the homeowner/landlord before requesting an assessment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Use the link to see if you qualify and to request an assessment: www.energysmartnola.info/home-performance-with-energy-star

ENO Energy Smart Income-Qualified Weatherization

This program supports income-qualified residents (residents at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) by providing them with free energy efficiency improvements. After a walk-through energy assessment with an energy advisor, an Energy Smart approved trade ally will make weatherization improvements to help you start saving energy and money. These improvements include attic insulation, air sealing and duct sealing – all at no-cost to you. These upgrades help weatherize your house and reduce your energy use, in turn reducing your energy bills.

ELIGIBILITY:

Orleans Parish Resident
Income is at or below 200% of the 2024 federal poverty level
- Household of 1: Maximum Income Level (per year) $30,120
- Household of 2: Maximum Income Level (per year) $40,880
- For larger households see the table here
Availability may be limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis

HOW TO APPLY:

Use the link to see if you qualify and to request an assessment: www.energysmartnola.info/income-qualified-weatherization

You can also sign up for an Energy Smart appointment by calling 504-229-6868

ENO Easy Cool

Easy Cool provides financial incentives to residential customers who reduce their energy consumption during peak hours, improving reliability for all energy consumers. Participants receive a one-time $50 enrollment incentive and collect an additional $25 incentive each year they participate.

How does it work? Purchase and install a qualifying smart thermostat, and get up to a $100 incentive. Enroll your new or existing thermostat in EasyCool and receive a one-time $50 incentive for signing up. EasyCool smart thermostats automatically make small temperature adjustments to reduce your energy use during short periods of high electricity usage, also known as peak demand. Don’t worry, you can always manually adjust your thermostat to your preferred temperature.

Get more information: www.energysmartnola.info/easycool-smart-thermostats

ELIGIBILITY:

Orleans Parish Resident

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply online: enrollmythermostat.com/entergyno
Call 504-229-6868

Programs Offered by SWEPCO

SWEPCO Payment Extension or Arrangement

SWEPCO’s payment extension program can help you by granting a few extra days to pay your balance. Need more than a few days? SWEPCO’s extended payment arrangement can help you spread out payments over a few months rather than paying your balance in full.

ELIGIBILITY:

For a payment extension login here to check eligibility
For a payment arrangement login here to check eligibility

HOW TO APPLY:

Call (888) 216-3523 to set up an extended payment arrangement

SWEPCO Neighbor to Neighbor Program

SWEPCO partners with Dollar Energy Fund to help families pay their electric bills. SWEPCO Customers may be eligible to receive a grant that’s applied directly to their utility bill. The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $200. Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year (10/2/2023 – 9/30/2024).

MORE INFORMATION:

www.dollarenergy.org/program/louisiana-aep-swepco-neighbor-to-neighbor-program

ELIGIBILITY:

Electricity service is off or you have received a service disconnection notice
Income level at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
- For a household of: $22,590
- For a household of: $30,660
- For a household of: $38,730
- Click here to see income guidelines for larger households
Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their SWEPCO bill of at least $50 but equal to or less than $200.
- Please note, if your utility service is off or in threat of termination when you apply and the maximum grant amount of $200 will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied.
You must have paid at least $100 on your SWEPCO account in the three months prior to applying for a grant.
- If you are a senior citizen, age 62 and over, you must have paid $75 on your account in the three months prior to applying for a grant.

HOW TO APPLY:

Call SWEPCO and ask about the Neighbor to Neighbor Program, 1-888-216-3523

SWEPCO Weatherization Program

SWEPCO’s Weatherization Program will help pay for energy efficiency improvements to your home including Insulation, ENERGY STAR® LED Lighting, Caulking & Weatherstripping. As part of SWEPCO’s Residential Income Qualified Program households that meet the set federal poverty guidelines for annual total household income may be eligible to receive the energy efficiency measures at no cost.

ELIGIBILITY:

Confirm your eligibility with the SWEPCO-approved contractor of your choice
- Louisiana Contractors
  - See contractors listed under “SWEPCO Residential Solutions Program” or “SWEPCO Residential Income Qualified Program”

HOW TO APPLY:

Set up an appointment with a SWEPCO-approved contractor of your choice to get a quote on the recommended energy efficiency measure(s) for your home.
- The SWEPCO Energy Efficiency Incentive will be included in the quote. You do not have to move forward with the work if you don’t want to.

SWEPCO HVAC Incentive Program

If you’re considering either a new or replacement heating and cooling system in your home, SWEPCO will help pay for the purchase and installation of high efficiency heat pumps and air conditioning units. These high efficiency units can dramatically increase the comfort level in your home while lowering your SWEPCO bill. In Louisiana SWEPCO will pay up to $3,500 for a qualifying unit.

ELIGIBILITY:

Confirm your eligibility with the SWEPCO-approved contractor of your choice
- Louisiana Contractors (See contractors listed under “SWEPCO Residential Solutions HVAC Program” or “SWEPCO Income Qualified HVAC”)

HOW TO APPLY:

Set up an appointment with a SWEPCO-approved contractor of your choice to get a quote on the recommended energy efficiency measure(s) for your home.
Review your quote. Be sure to agree on a price, warranty and any other concerns you may have before any work begins on your home. The SWEPCO Energy Efficiency Incentive will be included in the quote. If you do not agree with the quote, you do not have to move forward with the work.

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