Resources & programs to help you pay NC electric bills

Have you recently received higher than normal utility bills?

If you’re having trouble paying your utility or electricity bills due to extreme weather conditions, such as cold snaps, or other conditions, there are several resources that can help you in the short and long term.

If you are in a position to help people facing high electricity bills or unable to pay their bills, there are also resources and programs that allow you to pay in advance to help others.

We’ve compiled a few examples of these resources in North Carolina.

Duke Energy Bill Assistance Program

Duke Energy, which powers much of North Carolina, offers several billing assistance programs for its customers.

Note: If you receive power from a company other than Duke, such as an electric cooperative or municipality, check to see if that company has a similar program.

▪ dukes share light fund supports individuals and families struggling to pay their utility bills by providing financial assistance. Duke will “work with agencies to allocate funds to pay energy bills, deposits and reconnection/connection fees to eligible customers.”

To be eligible for assistance from the Foundation: duke energy Also duke energy progress If you are a resident customer with an unpaid balance, unpaid utility service deposit, or unpaid reconnection fee.

To determine if they are eligible for assistance, Duke Energy Progress customers can call the company’s Careline at 800-662-7030. Duke Energy customers can find a list of support agencies in the county online, including contact information. duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/share-the-light.

Share the Light Foundation accept donations support the fund. Funding will be matched by the Duke Energy Foundation up to $500,000.

Duke customers can make one-time or recurring donations online or by mail when paying their bill. Donations are also accepted by check or money order.

For more information on how to donate to the fund, visit duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/share-the-light.

▪ If it takes a few days longer to pay your bill than the stated due date, Duke Energy will Extension of due date option.

“This plan provides flexibility for customers who know in advance that they will not be able to pay their bills on time.” Duke says“Deadline extensions are a good option for customers who need additional time to settle their bills without paying late fees.”

This payment option allows customers to extend the invoice due date by up to 10 days. This option, which he can use twice in a 12-month period, is not available to customers currently on an installment plan.

To be eligible for an extension, a customer must have an active account with Duke Energy and must not have an overdue balance or scheduled termination of service.

For more information on Duke’s Extended Due Date Program, including how to sign up, please visit: duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/payment-arrangements.

▪ If you’re facing a large bill, or a bill that’s higher than normal, Duke will installment program This allows you to pay off large sums in small increments over time.

Installment plans are available for overdue balances, move-in security deposits, and final bills.

If a customer is on an installment plan, they will be billed monthly in large and small installments in addition to their regular current invoice. Installment plans have specified dates and payment amounts that must be agreed and committed before the plan can begin.

Depending on your account status, you may need to pay a down payment to start your installment plan.

Note: If you fail to pay your installment plan, you will be removed from the plan. “The account will then fall within the normal billing and payment timeline and may be disconnected without payment.” Duke says.

For more information on Duke’s installment plan program, please visit: duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/payment-arrangements.

▪ If there is a risk that the electricity will be cut due to an unpaid balance, Duke will disconnect date extension An option to extend bill payments for up to two weeks to avoid deadlines.

To be eligible for the program, your account must be active and not currently in the installment program.

For more information on the Extended Amputation Date Program, please visit: duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/payment-arrangements.

LIEAP in North Carolina

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to help eligible beneficiaries pay their energy and utility bills.

in the configuration parametersadminister the program as the State deems appropriate. in North Carolinathe program is administered by the state’s Department of Social Services and offers an annual lump sum payment for household heating costs.

To be eligible for assistance through LIEAP in North Carolina, households must meet the following criteria:

• At least one person who meets the eligibility requirements.

• Pass the income test.

• We have reserves under $2,250.

• Please bear the heating costs.

To receive assistance through LIEAP, you must apply.

▪ Applications are open from December 1 to 31 for households that include persons age 60 and older or individuals receiving disability benefits and services through the NC Senior and Adult Services Division.

▪ All other households can apply from January 1 through March 31, or until funds run out.

For more information on how to apply for LIEAP, please visit: ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance-lieap or contact us local social services department.

Winter moratorium for NC utilities

Even if you do not pay your utility bills, you may not be able to use the service immediately, depending on factors such as time of year and age.

under the rules laid down by North Carolina Public Utilities CommissionRegulates state utilities.

From November 1 through March 31 of each year, commission-regulated utilities may not suspend service to North Carolina households that meet all of the following criteria:

▪ Include people with disabilities or those over the age of 65.

▪ Inability to pay bills in installments;

▪ It is also certified by the local social service agency as eligible for assistance under the Energy Assistance Program.

For more information on the annual moratorium and other end of service rules, please visit the NC Department of Justice website at: ncdoj.gov/protecting-consumers/energy-and-utilities/termination-of-utility-service.

Find more resources on NC211.org

To find other utility and emergency assistance programs near you, try using: NC211 — information and referral services operated; by United Way of North Carolina Connect people with community resources for a variety of needs.

“NC 211 maintains a robust database containing information about thousands of programs and services in North Carolina,” says NC 211’s website. “We are best suited to address specific health and human services needs, including food, shelter, energy assistance, housing, childcare resources, healthcare, substance abuse, and specific resources for older adults and individuals. Refer callers to community organizations with facilities for people with disabilities, and much more.

To access the NC211, NC211.org Find resources that meet your needs, or dial 2-1-1 on your phone to connect with a trained specialist who navigates our database.