Friday, April 28 is the last day residents in Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties can apply for Fuel Assistance through Southern New Hampshire Services. That date marks the end of the 2016-2017 heating season.
The utility winter moratorium period ended on March 31. Many households have begun facing electric and/or natural gas disconnections that started at the beginning of April.
Federally funded weatherization programs are designed to address health and safety issues and to apply energy conservation measures in order to increase the energy efficiency of the home and reduce household energy costs. Eligibility is determined by income with priority given to the elderly, the disabled, and families with children under six years of age. These programs work in conjunction with various other conservation programs funded by Liberty Utilities, Eversource, Unitil, and NH Electric Co-Op. Weatherization services were provided to 618 homes in 2019.
Conducts an energy audit analysis of your home to address health & safety concerns and to determine energy conservation measures such as:
Click here to download the Weatherization brochure in PDF format for more information regarding SNHS’ Weatherization Programs: Weatherization brochure in PDF format
The Electric Assistance Program (EAP) provides qualifying utility customers with a discount of 8% to 76% off their monthly electric bill, depending on their household income. Renters, subsidized renters and homeowners who receive an electric bill may apply for EAP. Eligibility is determined by the total household income and the number of household members. Eligible customers receive a discount on their electric bill every month.
All electric utility customers support the statewide EAP through the system benefits charge portion of their electric bill. The EAP discount helps make bills more affordable and helps customers avoid the risk of having their electric service shut off for non-payment. To be eligible for the program customers must receive an electric bill from a regulated electric utility and have a gross household income that qualifies at the time of application.
| People in Household | Monthly Gross Income (30 days) |
Annual Gross Income |
| 1 | $ 2,978 | $ 36,237 |
| 2 | $ 3,895 | $ 47,386 |
| 3 | $ 4,811 | $ 58,536 |
| 4 | $ 5,728 | $ 69,686 |
| 5 | $ 6,644 | $ 80,836 |
| 6 | $ 7,561 | $ 91,986 |
The EAP is a 12 month bill discount program. Benefits are subject to the availability of funds.
View the EAP brochure
**The Fuel Assistance Program for Winter 2020-2021 will be officially opening on December 1, 2020.
Enrolled households will receive their benefit letter after this date.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides elderly, handicapped and low-income residents with the financial assistance necessary to meet vital heating and utility expenses. This important program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Clients may also choose to participate in developing a case management plan to achieve increased financial self-sufficiency to avoid energy related emergencies.
Fuel Assistance applications for vulnerable households (those with at least one member who is elderly, disabled or under the age of 6) are taken beginning on July 1 for the upcoming winter season. This is a pre-registration process for the program which officially opens in early December each year. Those households in this category that applied for the program last year have the choice of submitting their pre-registration application (with all required documents) by mail or calling for a face-to-face interview.
As of September 1, all others wishing to apply for Fuel Assistance must call their local office to schedule an appointment.
The income guidelines listed are for the start of the program year. They may be increased at a later date if funding permits.
| People in Household | Monthly Gross Income (30 days) |
Annual Gross Income |
| 1 | $ 2,978 | $ 36,237 |
| 2 | $ 3,895 | $ 47,386 |
| 3 | $ 4,811 | $ 58,536 |
| 4 | $ 5,728 | $ 69,686 |
| 5 | $ 6,644 | $ 80,836 |
| 6 | $ 7,561 | $ 91,986 |
| For households of 7 or more please call your area office listed below |
*Income guidelines may increase. It is best to apply ahead of time.
Fuel Assistance benefits from $158 to $1575 may be available to homeowners or renters during the winter heating season. Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by GROSS household income for a 30 day period going back from the appointment day, household size, and annual heating costs. Fuel Assistance benefits are a grant and do not have to be repaid. The Fuel Assistance Program MAY PAY your rent if the heat is included in the rent and your rent is not subsidized. Subsidized tenants who pay their own heat may qualify for a benefit.
Call the office closest to you if you want to make an appointment. Call today!
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