North Dakota Electric & Utility Bill Assistance

North Dakota Utility Assistance.  The rising energy costs and inflation have made it difficult for people in North Dakota to pay their energy bills. Some families have no option except to sacrifice basic comforts. Many low-income families need heating assistance this winter, and if you are one of them, you can consider taking benefits of government and non-profit energy assistance programs.

You can still apply this year if you have never qualified for these programs. Now, the government has more funds to help low–income families with energy assistance, and you should inquire about all the possible options to get the much-needed help this winter. You can qualify for some programs if your income is below sixty percent of the state’s median income. Check the criteria to avoid the last-minute hassle. The best part is that renters can also get benefited from these programs.

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

It is a federally funded program that you can consider for receiving a one-time vendor payment. You can use this program to pay your heating bills and other energy needs. You are eligible for this program if you have a disabled family member or elderly person above sixty in your family receiving NC Division Aging & Adult Services. Please apply for assistance between December 1 and 31.

Other low-income families will have to meet some eligibility requirements. Your household income needs to be below sixty percent of the state Median Income to be eligible for this utility energy assistance program. You can visit the local department or ND division services to inquire about LIHEAP. Also, you can call the toll-free number 1-800-755-2716 to know whether you qualify for this program.

The program will pay your utility bills partially. You can get assistance for gas, propane, fuel oil, electricity, wood, coal, and other sources. Also, LIHEAP includes the following.

• Weatherization services
• Chimney inspection & protection
• Furnace repair, cleaning, and replacement
• Emergency assistance

2.  Northern Plains Electric Cooperative

Low to moderate-income individuals, the working poor, the unemployed, and customers who otherwise face financial difficulties are eligible for financial assistance from Operation Roundup. For more information and bull assistance, contact Northern Plains at 1-800-882-2500.

3.  North Dakota Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Utility Assistance

The Department of Commerce of North Dakota has a Weather Assistance Program to reduce the energy costs of low-income families. The program will increase the energy efficiency of homes to minimize energy costs and help with safety and health. The households can save around $372 every year with weatherization upgrades. You can benefit from the Weatherization Assistance Program, upgrade your home, and reduce energy costs.

North Dakota weatherizes more than 227 homes per year using the formula funds. You will be eligible for this program if your household income is at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines. Besides, you can get this assistance if you receive the benefits of other services, including Supplementary Security Income and LIHEAP.

In addition, WAP prioritizes the elderly, disabled, and families with high-energy users and children. You can visit your local weatherization provider to inquire more about the coverage. However, here are the eligibility requirements in detail.

• Over sixty years of age
• Households with disabled
• Households with children

According to DOE guidelines, you can be eligible for this when receiving Temporary Assistance Needy Families or Supplementary Security Income services.  You can visit the government website, know the requirements, and apply if you meet the eligibility criteria. However, here are the government and non-profit programs you can use to get help with your energy bills.

4.  Nodak Electric Cooperative

They offer utility and heating bill assistance. Additional finances are provided through Operations Roundup. This money is for shelter, rent, utility payments, and other household needs—Call 800-732-4373 or 701-746-4461 for more information.

5. Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program (WIP)

Another such program is WIP which works as a part of the EERE and supports the energy needs of low-income families. The objective is to make energy affordable for families going through financial crises. The program is the creation of the State Energy Program and Weather Assistance Program. Both work as a team and deliver strategic initiatives and technical assistance to local people.

WIP enhances energy security and minimizes energy waste using different technologies and innovations. It offers energy assistance to low-income households. The WIP programs offer energy assistance based on the condition of the state and locality.

6. Energy Share Utility Assistance

Energy Share is a nonprofit organization that helps people in North Dakota get emergency utility and energy assistance. Disabled, elderly, and low-income households can use this non-profit program to pay their heating bills.

Energy Share funds can help all those who need emergency help to pay their bills. You can get this assistance when you are not eligible for other assistance programs. Since it is an emergency fund, it will not duplicate other programs and can help when other resources have been exhausted or are not applicable. You can visit the community agency if you need help from this non-profit organization.

Since Energy Share is a grant program, you will not have to pay back the assistance. You can be eligible for this program if you meet the following requirements.

• Not using electricity for your home heating purpose
• Your rent does not include utility bills (for renters)
• You might need to provide a co-payment

If you meet the above criteria, you will get energy assistance. In addition, you can get funds for your previous address’s energy expenses, but it will only include bills within three months. You will get the following assistance if you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Security light charges
• Service charges
• Reconnection fees

However, the assistance will not include the following.

• Penalty charges
• Late charges
• Trip chargers
• Estimated readings
• Deposits

You can visit the above website or call 701-252-1821 or 800-726-8179 to inquire about the program and how to get this assistance.  Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative – to apply for utility assistance in North Dakota, including fuel, gas, and heating, Call 1- 800-279-2667.  However, many other energy companies operating in Nebraska, this company administers Operation Round Up in partnership with local charities and non-profit

7.  Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative

Go to their website to apply for utility assistance, Including fuel, gas, and heating. Call 1- 800-279-2667. Like many other energy companies operating in Nebraska, this company administers Operation Round Up in partnership with local charities and non-profits.

8.  Heat Share

HeatShare is another energy assistance program that can come to your help. It provides emergency energy assistance to people when they have no other support system. You can use the funds of the HeatShare to pay for your propane, electricity, wood, natural gas, and emergency furnace repairs. You can get this benefit at most Salvation Army operations in North Dakota.

Visit the above website or call 1-800-842-7279 to get energy assistance for your heating bills. However, you can get funds when you meet the following criteria.

• Low-income seniors
• When you experience an unexpected financial emergency
• Disabled and do not have a steady income

9.  Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative

To apply for utility assistance, Including fuel, gas, and heating.  Additionally, like many other energy companies operating in Nebraska, this company administers Operation Round Up in partnership with local charities and non-profits.  Mountrail-Williams also offers a $500 rebate on approved water heaters.  To receive this benefit, you must be a Mountrail-Williams customer, and the unit purchased must have an 8-year warranty, 50+ Gallons capacity
dual elements, an,d a 5 Year Load Control Agreement. Call 1- 800-279-2667.

Am I Eligible for Utility Assistance in North Dakota?

As a resident of North Dakota, when you meet the eligibility criteria, the available funds will pay partial costs of your utility bills, propane, gas, and other sources. However, the weatherization programs assistance in getting your help winter ready.   That would include sealing your home to protect you from harsh weather elements. You can also receive assistance for repairs, cleaning, and replacing your heating systems.

In Conclusion

If you are a resident of North Dakota and need utility assistance, please get in touch with the programs mentioned above to sign up and receive help with utilities and repairs to make your home more energy efficient and safer. Remember, you must apply financially, and funding must be available to get help.

LINKS:

Valley New Live

Bismarck Tribune

Energy.gov

DPCCA

LIHEAP