Montana Heating and Utility Bill Assistance. The cold months mean higher heating and utility bills for everyone. Montana has local and government agencies that help you pay bills. First, if you are low-income or in danger of losing services, help is available. Below is a list of charities, government, and utility companies that may help with energy bills for your home.

Heating Assistance Montana-Dakota

During the heating season, many low-income households rely on energy assistance to help pay a part of their winter heating bills. Montana customers can avail a discount of up to 30 percent on their energy bills. In Montana, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides this valuable assistance to eligible customers. Starting from October 1st until April 30th, LIEAP helps cover due amounts on utility bills or emergency furnace repairs under certain circumstances.

Montana Heating and Utility Bill Assistance

During the heating season, many low-income households rely on energy assistance to help pay a part of their winter heating bills. In Montana, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides this valuable assistance to eligible customers.

Starting from October 1st until April 30th, LIEAP helps cover due amounts on utility bills or emergency furnace repairs under certain circumstances. Montana customers can also benefit from a discount of up to 30 percent on their energy bills during this period. (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program)

LIEAP is a national government program that supports struggling families to pay heating bills. You may be eligible for gas, water, or electric assistance. The Department of Health and Human Services receives a yearly subsidy through a grant. On October 15, 2014, ACF awarded approximately $3.05 billion for home heating grants. You can register at the Department of social services, approved community organizations, and participating charities. (more)

Flathead Electric Cooperative

This grant does not pay your entire bill but gives a 50% discount on your monthly charges. If you qualify for LIHEAP, you may be eligible for a grant from Flathead Electric Corporation. For more information or where to apply, call the Kalispell location at 406-751-4483 or the Libby Montana location at 406-293-7122.

The Montana Salvation Army

The Salvation Army can assist with rent and utilities when funding is available and you qualify financially. Church districts receive a budget for the year. There is a first come, first served policy. Also, preference is given to women with children, the sick, and the elderly.

When they cannot help, they can refer you to other host agencies with funds. Contact your local Salvation Army to make an appointment. Montana Heating and Utility Bill Assistance can be sought through local charities. (more programs)

Sun River Electric Coop

The weatherization program can help make mandatory repairs to the roof, doors, windows, and water heaters to make your dwelling more energy efficient. However, you must meet the government poverty standards to qualify. If you are presently a customer of Sun River, you can apply through this utility. Call 406-467-2526. (more)

The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)

ECIP is part of the LIEAP program. If you have not received or are not eligible for LIEAP, you may qualify for ECIP assistance for fuel. If you are having a financial crisis and in danger of losing your heating services, you may be able to get ECIP assistance. As always, you must qualify according to US Poverty Guidelines. The emergency includes evictions or potential disconnection or disconnection of utility services. ECIP also offers help with furnace repairs for faulty or broken furnaces. Contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Office of Energy Assistance, at 800-233-8503 to apply.

The Montana Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Montana Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a fuel assistance program that assists with savings of fuel as well as cash assistance for utility bills. Weatherization makes a home energy efficient by securing areas where heat or cool air can escape from the home. They also repair, wrap or replace broken water heats.

To qualify for this program, you must qualify financially and be a family with young, disabled, or elderly children. It would be best if you also met the financial qualifications established by the government. You can receive weatherization services if you receive SSI or are enrolled in other assistance programs like TANF. For more information about WAP, call the Montana Citizen’s Advocate at 800-332-2272. (More)

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.

Heating Assistance Montana-Dakota is a remarkable organization that focuses on assisting individuals and families facing energy problems as one of the leading nonprofit organizations in this field. This organization works tirelessly to assist people who struggle with their energy bills during difficult times. Their dedicated service extends beyond just helping with unexpected energy expenses; they also offer support during emergencies and hardship.

If you live in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wyoming and need assistance with your heating and utility bills. In that case, this utility can lead you to programs that can help eligible residents with heating costs and state and federal weatherization programs that help make your home energy efficient. Please call 800-638-3278.

Montana Rent Assistance Programs

NorthWestern Energy

This benefit works with residents already in the LIHEAP program. This particular incentive allows you also to receive a discount on your heating and gas bill. If you are presently receiving help from a government assistance program, you can automatically be enrolled by the Human Resource Council in Montana. For more information, please call 800-332-2272.

Flathead Electric

Finally, another Montana disconnection prevention is Keeping the Lights On. You can receive a maximum of $200 to prevent disconnection of reconnecting your utilities or heating services. For more information on how to get aid, call 800-735-8489. (more energy assistance)

Energy Share of Montana

This private non-profit organization works within low-income and at-risk communities to help with heating and utility costs, mandatory home repairs on furnace heaters, drafty windows, doors, and other areas of the home that lose energy. For more information, call 406-442-4900, 318 North Last Chance Gulch Helena, MT 59601.

Action for Eastern Montana

If you need help with utility payments or fuel to heat your home, this organization can help qualified residents get help. If you have not been able to get help from other organizations, call 406-377-3564.

Montana Utility Assistance Tribal Offices

Rocky Boy’s Reservation (Chippewa & Cree Tribes)
Rocky Boy Route, Box 568
Box Elder, MT 59521
(406) 395-4728

Flathead Reservation (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes)
P.O. Box 278
Pablo, MT 59855
(406) 675-2700, ext. 1049

Crow Reservation
District VII HRDC
7 North 31 st Street
P.O. Box 2016
Billings, MT 59103-2016
(406) 247-4732

Blackfeet Reservation
P.O. Box 850
Browning, MT 59417
(406) 338-7977

Fort Belknap Reservation (Assiniboine & White Clay Tribes)
P.O. Box 66, RR 1
Harlem, MT 59526
(406) 353-8499

Northern Cheyenne Reservation
P.O. Box 128
Lame Deer, MT 59043
(406) 477-6284

Fort Peck Reservation (Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes)
P.O. Box 1027
Poplar, MT 59255
(406) 768-5810

Montana Heating and Utility Bill Assistance and other Charities that Help

When requesting help from one of these charities, don’t forget to see if you qualify for help with furniture, rent, clothing, or baby stuff. Community charities work hand in hand with the local and federal governments to help facilitate the registration and screening of applicants seeking help with bills.