Energy Assistance Programs - Washington Gas
Menu
ENERGY ASSISTANCE

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Maryland, Virginia and D.C. Energy Assistance

Payment Assistance

If you've fallen behind, please let us help you. There are some energy assistance programs available to help you manage your Washington Gas bill, including the LIHEAP Home Energy Assistance Program and the Washington Area Fuel Fund.

  • District of Columbia Residents

    If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a natural gas bill, please contact the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) at 311 or online at https://doee.dc.gov/energyassistance, to determine eligibility for the following programs. Eligibility for most programs depends on household size and total household income. Other factors may apply depending on the program.

     

    LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

    Through this program, the federal government distributes funds to the District of Columbia which, in turn, provides grants to qualified applicants to help them pay their energy bills. Find out if you qualify at: https://doee.dc.gov/energyassistance.

     

    RESIDENTIAL ESSENTIAL SERVICE (RES) also known as the UTILITY DISCOUNT PROGRAM (UDP)

    With this program, eligible households may qualify for a discount on their monthly bills from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Customers will also enjoy an additional advantage during the warmer months—from May to October. Specifically, customers will receive a 50% discount on the monthly Customer Charge during the non-winter heating season.


    To be eligible for the RES discount, customers must:
    • Use natural gas as the principal source for home heating; and
    • Be certified by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE).

    Apply for both the LIHEAP and RES/UDP by mail, online or in person. For more information visit: https://doee.dc.gov/energyassistance.

    Washington, DC English Application.

    Washington, DC Spanish Application.

    Apply online at: DOEE Energy Community Online System.

     

    ARREARAGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (AMP)

    We understand that some of our customers continue to face financial hardships brought on by the pandemic. In response, Washington Gas has launched the Arrearage Management Program (AMP), which provides customers the opportunity to have past due debt forgiven when new bills are paid on time. Our Arrearage Management Program (AMP) can help you avoid additional debt while steadily paying down any past due balances. After successfully completing a 12-month payment plan, you will receive forgiveness for past-due balances. 

    AMP assists customers by helping to:

    • Lower or eliminate existing past-due balances. 
    • Bring accounts current.
    • Help manage the budget when costs are rising. 
    • Avoid disconnection.
    • Reduce financial stress
     

    Based on a recent decision by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia, customers who have been approved by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) for energy assistance will be automatically enrolled into our AMP program. Accounts automatically enrolled into AMP would then be placed on a Budget Plan, which allows customers to spread the cost of gas bills over the entire year and enjoy peace of mind with predictable monthly payments, for the next 12 months. Following AMP enrollment, you would be responsible for only paying the current budget bill amount on time.  With each month that you pay your budget bill amount, 1/12th of your arrearage balance as of the enrollment into the program will be forgiven.  Upon successful completion of the 12-month budget plan, you will receive forgiveness of the complete amount of your arrearage balance. 

    If you have a past-due balance of more than $3,000, you must first bring your past due balance to $3,000 or less. You can do that by seeking other eligible sources of support including visiting Washington Gas Cares at https://www.washingtongascares.com.

    If you have any questions contact us via email at DCAMP@washgas.com, via phone at the DC AMP Hotline at 703-750-4399, or via mail at at P.O. Box 57000, Springfield, VA 22150-7000.

    We look forward to helping you lower or eliminate your past-due balance with this convenient and easy-to-use program.

     

    HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND (HAF)

    As a District of Columbia homeowner, you can apply for financial assistance through the DC Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The fund provides financial assistance to District residents trying to make housing-related payments. Eligible homeowners impacted by COVID-19 can apply for grant funding to cover mortgage payments and other housing expenses, including utility payment assistance, up to $4,000.

    Learn more and apply for HAF at https://haf.dc.gov/.

      

    WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WAP)

    Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), WAP provides technical and financial assistance to help low-income residents reduce their energy bills and maintain energy-efficient, safe and healthy homes. Through WAP, eligible families receive energy audits performed by and local contractors who also install audit-recommended energy efficiency measures. Typical weatherization measures may include insulation, duct sealing, heating, and cooling systems repairs or replacement, air infiltration mitigation, and installing ENERGY STAR lighting and appliances.

    You must first be approved for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or someone in the household must currently receive Social Security Income or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Once you apply for LIHEAP and indicate your interest in WAP, a DOEE representative will contact you for the next steps. 

    For more information, visit the website https://doee.dc.gov/service/wap or contact DOEE at 311 or energyefficiency.conservation@dc.gov

     

    EMERGENCY MECHANICAL SYSTEM PROGRAM (EMS)

    The DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) administers the EMS program, which provides for the immediate emergency replacement of existing mechanical systems (hot water tanks, furnaces, boilers or air conditioning) with high efficiency systems. EMS is meant for residents whose mechanical system has failed and requires repair or replacement in the next few days.

    You must first be approved for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or someone in the household must currently receive Social Security Income or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Once you apply for LIHEAP and indicate your interest in EMS, a DOEE representative will contact you for the next steps.

    For more information, visit the website https://doee.dc.gov/service/wap or contact DOEE at 311 or energyefficiency.conservation@dc.gov.

     

    COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS

    If you are unable to complete the online application, you can have a family member, friend, or a designated Community Based Organization (CBO) assist you in completing the application (all required documentation must be submitted with application). See the list below for the CBO closest to you. Beginning in May 2021, the following community-based organizations (CBO) can assist you in filling out an application:

    Organization

    Phone number

    Address

    Ward

     Catholic Charities

    202-338-3100

    2812 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, WDC 20020

    7

     GW Urban League

    202-265-8200

    2901 14th Street, NW, WDC 20009

    1

          Salvation Army (SE)

    202-678-9771

    2300 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, WDC 20032

    8

          Salvation Army (NW)

    202-332-5000

    1434 Harvard Street, NW, Suite B, WDC, 20009

    1

           Housing Counseling

    202-667-7339

    2410 17th Street, NW, Suite 100, WDC 20009

    1

    UPO

    202-231-7910

    2907 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE WDD, 20032

    8

     




  • Maryland Residents

    If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a natural gas bill, please call the Office of Home Energy Programs at the Maryland Department of Human Resources at 800-332-6347 or your local energy office at the numbers provided (see back).

    You can also visit the state’s website at https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/

     

    MARYLAND ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MEAP):

    MEAP, federally funded through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), assists customers with paying their winter heating bills. Grants are based on family size, income and the type of fuel used for heating. Applicants are eligible to apply for the MEAP program only once each program year, July 1 - June 30. For additional information, please visit: Office of Home Energy Programs of Maryland. 

    Apply online at: MyMDThink of Maryland.gov

    Print application in English

    Solicitud en Español 

    Click here to watch a video on how to fill out the Energy Assistance application the right way.

     

    UTILITY SERVICE PROTECTION PROGRAM (USPP):

    The USPP begins the first week of November and is available to residential customers who are eligible for MEAP. With USPP, participation requires enrollment into a year-round even monthly budget billing program.

     

    EmPOWER LOW INCOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM (LIEEP)

    This program administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides income eligible families with a no-cost professional home energy audit to identify the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs while increasing comfort. Based on the audit, a professional contractor will install weatherization measures such as weather-stripping, caulking, plastic window covering and gas furnace tune-up and replacement at no charge

    For more information, contact DHCD at 855-583-8976 or visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/lieep/default.aspx.

     

    WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WAP)

    Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by local weatherization agencies, WAP provides technical and financial assistance to help low-income renters and homeowners reduce their energy bills and maintain energy-efficient, safe and healthy homes. Through WAP, eligible families receive energy audits performed by and local contractors who also install audit-recommended energy efficiency measures. Typical weatherization measures may include insulation, duct sealing, heating, and cooling systems repairs or replacement, air infiltration mitigation, and installing ENERGY STAR lighting and appliances.

    Eligibility is determined based on household income. All families who have received assistance any time during the last 12 months under Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Maryland Energy Assistance (MEAP) are automatically income eligible for weatherization services. Priority is given to Marylanders who are older than the age of 60, those with disabilities, those with children in the home, and households with a high energy usage and/or energy burden.

    For more information, visit the website https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/wap/default.aspx or contact your Local Weatherization Agency to apply.


  • Virginia Residents

    If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a natural gas bill, please consider the following information.

     

    VIRGINIA ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VEAP)

    VEAP, federally funded through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), assists eligible customers in paying heating and cooling bills. Eligibility factors include household size, total household income, heating source and type of dwelling.

    To determine eligibility, obtain an application for assistance or to receive more information about the program, call the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Information and Referral Line at 211 or 1-800 230-6977. You also may visit https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/.

    Virginia Crisis Assistance Application (English)
    Virginia Crisis Assistance Application (Spanish)

    Apply online at: Virginia CommonHelp.

     

    WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

    Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by local weatherization agencies, WAP provides technical and financial assistance to help low-income renters and homeowners reduce their energy bills and maintain energy-efficient, safe and healthy homes. Through WAP, eligible families receive energy audits performed by and local contractors who also install audit-recommended energy efficiency measures. Typical weatherization measures may include insulation, duct sealing, heating, and cooling systems repairs or replacement, air infiltration mitigation, and installing ENERGY STAR lighting and appliances.

    Washington Gas partners with local weatherization agency Community Housing Partners (CHP) to bring weatherization measures to income eligible Washington Gas customers. Visit the Income Qualifying Energy Efficiency Program webpage to learn more or contact CHP via chpes@chpc2.org or call (540) 665-0200.

     

    LOW-INCOME ENERGY AUDIT AND WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM 

    Washington Gas works with Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions, a nonprofit organization based in Virginia, to install weatherization measures to qualified Virginia residents. The program provides energy efficiency measures to households living in affordable multifamily properties, as well as single-family homes. Typical measures installed may include but are not limited to the following: Water heater tank insulation, water pipe insulation, low-flow showerheads and attic insulation.

    Learn more about the program and find out if you qualify here.

      

    INCOME QUALIFYING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM

    Washington Gas promotes healthier, safer, more energy efficient homes by working with Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions to provide energy audits, health and safety inspections and energy performance upgrades to qualifying Washington Gas customers. These improvements can help lower energy cost, improve energy efficiency, and provide health and safety benefits to the home.

    The Washington Gas Income Qualifying Energy Efficiency Program provides no-cost products and professional installation services for homeowners or renters living at multifamily properties or in single-family homes with gas space and/or water heating equipment.

    Learn more about the program and find out if you qualify by visiting https://wgsmartsavings.com/programs-rebates/va/income-qualifying-energy-efficiency-program

  • Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF)

    Washington Gas and The Salvation Army created the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) to help families in need pay their heating bills. Utility assistance is available regardless of the type of fuel used to heat a home. For more information, please visit our website at: https://washingtonareafuelfund.org/.
  • Additional Information (All States)

    If you have any questions regarding energy assistance plans in the area, please reach out at EAP@washgas.com or (703)750-4406.

    For further contact information, please click here:

    Billing questions

    Payment Plan Arrangements

    Payment Options

    Contact Details

     

Logo Washington Gas

Customer Service 844-WASHGAS


;