Energy Assistance
Ensuring warmth and safety for low-income households
The Energy Assistance Program maintains power and heat for households by helping them pay their heating bills, whether it’s electricity, gas, oil, propane, wood, or wood pellets.
At times, we can also provide air conditioners or air purifiers. To be eligible, you must be eligible for LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). Please note that air purifiers are only offered in connection with an active State of Emergency declared by the Governor for Wildlife Emergencies and are only offered in those counites named in the declaration.
By partnering with Chelan County PUD, Douglas County PUD, Cascade Natural Gas, Department of Energy, Washington State Department of Commerce and other essential organizations, we are able to help over 1,000 families stay safe and warm each year.
State Home Energy Assistance Program (SHEAP)
The State Home Energy Assistance Program (SHEAP) assists households to meet their immediate home energy needs and provide replacement of inefficient, outdated, or unsafe home heating and cooling systems with more energy-efficient electric heating and cooling technologies, such as heat pumps. SHEAP is available for households who are making up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Eligibility for SHEAP is based on several factors, including the entire household’s income, household size, primary heat sources, county (service area), energy costs, etc.
*This program requires that your primary heating source is electricity. Fuel types such as propane are not eligible for SHEAP.
**The SHEAP program operates from July 1st to June 30th, or until funding runs out.
LIHEAP – Other Emergency Services (OES)
System Repairs & Replacement
In a crisis situation, LIHEAP may repair or replace an inoperative, unsafe, and/or substantially dysfunctional heating and cooling system, when:
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- The client is the owner and occupant of the dwelling, and
- The property is not listed for sale
The heating/cooling system may qualify for replacement only when certain conditions are met.
Households must be eligible for and have received LIHEAP energy assistance during the current program year.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Commerce’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) aims to help low-income households in Washington State receive affordable, dependable utility services and avoid disconnection.
Eligibility Requirements
Income requirements: 2025-2026
(150% or less of the federal poverty level)
Household Size |
Monthly Income |
| 1 | $1,956.00 |
| 2 | $2,644.00 |
| 3 | $3,331.00 |
| 4 | $3,019.00 |
| 5 | $4,706.00 |
Information Required:
Income documentation is required for all household members, and from all sources of income for the month prior to the one you are applying in. For instance, if you apply in the month of January, you must provide documentation of income for the month of December. Sources of income include but are not limited to:
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- Earned Income (income from a job, self-employment, unemployment benefits)
- Social Security Income (Social Security Disability, Retirement, SSI)
- Pension or Retirement Income
- VA benefits
- Child support or Alimony payments
- TANF, ABD, or other Public Assistance
Identification for all household members, which can include:
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- Social security card OR
- U.S. Passport OR
- Permanent resident card or refugee application
- (You may still be able to apply even if you don’t have the above identification documents)
Identity documentation, such as photo ID or birth certificates, for all adult household members.
Utility/Rate Payer Sponsored
Donation Programs
Neighbor to Neighbor:
Donation opportunity through Douglas County PUD where you can help others to keep their utilities on, or get help to keep your utilities on when there are funds available.
Helping Hand:
Donation opportunity through Chelan County PUD where you can help others to keep their utilities on, or get help to keep your utilities on when there are funds available.
Winter Help:
Donation opportunity through Cascade Natural Gas where you can help others to keep their utilities on, or get help to keep your utilities on when there are funds
available.
Let us know who your utility provider is and we will work to help find the right assistance for you.
Weatherization
Weatherization is adding insulation, sealing cracks, and making other changes that reduce heat loss, save you money on heating bills and make your home or apartment healthier. The federal government and Washington State offer weatherization programs, which Commerce runs, for qualified low-income households. For general information on what the Weatherization Program provides, contact Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council’s Weatherization Department.
Weatherization City of Wenatchee Utility Assistance Program
Low-income residential customers not eligible for a Senior/Disabled Low Income Rate Reduction may be eligible for the Utility Assistance Program. This program may provide up to $300 credit toward your water and sewer service per qualifying household once in a twelve month period.
For information on eligibility or to schedule an appointment to apply, please contact our Energy Assistance Department.
*To apply for the City of Wenatchee Senior/Disabled Low Income Rate Reduction, contact the city’s Utility Customer Service at (509) 888-3600 option 1.
Senior/Disabled Discounts
ONLY Chelan County PUD Customers are eligible for this program.
Income and Eligibility Requirements For the Disabled Discount: 125% or less of the Federal Poverty Level and proof of disability.
Income and Eligibility Requirements For the Senior Discount:
Must be age 62 or over and have a combined household income of less than $41,000 for the prior calendar year.