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Have you fallen behind on your gas bill and live in Washington D.C.? We care about your situation and are here to help you get assistance from multiple programs offered through the federal government, state-managed programs, Washington Gas and The Salvation Army
Please note that your first step to receive financial assistance is applying to the federal LIHEAP Program. Learn more about the guidelines below.
At a Glance: Washington D.C. Energy Assistance Programs
Federal LIHEAP Program (past-due billing assistance)
Residential Essential Services (past-due billing assistance)
Washington Area Fuel Fund (past-due billing assistance)
Arrearage Management Program (billing assistance/payment plan)
Homeowner Assistance Fund (billing assistance/payment plan)
Weatherization Assistance Program (energy efficiency assistance)
Emergency Mechanical System Program (mechanical equipment assistance)
Federal LIHEAP Program
LIHEAP funding offers grants to states and Washington D.C. to help qualified applicants pay their energy bills. Your household size and income are among the information needed to qualify. Once certified, you may be eligible for one or more of the assistance programs listed below
You have several ways to apply for certification.
- For more information and to apply, visit Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) LIHEAP online.
- Contact the DOEE at 311.
- Apply online at DOEE online.
Residential Essential Services (RES)
If you use natural gas as the principal source to heat your home, you may qualify for a discount each month during the heating season (Nov. 1 to April 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. RES is also known as the Utility Discount Program (UDP).
Learn more about RES (English)
Learn more about RES (Spanish)
Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF)
WAFF is a partnership between Washington Gas and The Salvation Army that assists thousands of families in D.C., Maryland and Virginia with their fuel bills. Regardless of your eligibility for other assistance programs, you may still receive help from WAFF by demonstrating proven need.
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.
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
Homeowner Assistance Fund
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.
Weatherization Assistance Program
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.
Learn more about WAP online, or contact DOEE at 311 or email 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 WAP, a DOEE representative will contact you for the next steps.
Learn more about EMS online, or contact DOEE at 311 or email energyefficiency.conservation@dc.gov.
Bill Management Options
If you don’t qualify for the options above, you can still get help with your bill. Washington Gas offers multiple choices such as deferred payment arrangements, budget plans and automated payment options. Click Manage My Bill below to learn more.
Thank you for being a Washington Gas customer.
