There are several financial assistance programs available to low income, elderly, disabled, and people facing an emergency in Nebraska to help pay heating and utility bills. Usually, non-profit organizations that operate across the state administer the programs and provide aid directly to applicants.
There is a lot of help available for low to moderate income people. Some of the assistance programs only help during certain seasons, while others can help with utility payments all year long. In addition to the options listed below, most utility and gas companies will also offer payment plans that work for both the energy company and the customer.
The Aquila utility company in Nebraska offers two main financial assistance programs. There are two options: the Heat Aid Fund, which provides assistance funds, and this particular program, which runs during the winter and spring. To be eligible for assistance, applicants must be in a crisis, 60 years of age or older, low income, or disabled and must have received a shut off notice. In order to be eligible for this program, potential applicants must have first applied for both federal and state of Nebraska government assistance programs. If you need assistance with paying your utilities, contact the Salvation Army at 402-898-5966. The Salvation Army operates the Heat Aid Fund, which provides assistance to low-income households.
Heatshare is an app that allows you to share your location with others in order to stay safe while you’re out and about. This resource may be able to give financial assistance in the form of cash grants, counseling, and referrals to other utility and energy funding sources to households that are unable to make their monthly utility, heating, or energy bill payment. If you would like to speak to a customer service representative, please call 1-800-336-4547.
The HeatShare program is offered by Black Hills Energy in cases of emergency or crisis. This option is available from many companies in the Nebraska area. The Salvation Army Crisis Program is a program that provides assistance to people in times of crisis. If you want to apply for help from the Salvation Army, you will need to call your local Salvation Army or call 1-800-699-3439.
There are other resources available for income qualified customers, including senior citizens and the disabled. One of the main programs is Black Hills Cares, which is also run in partnership with non-profits in Nebraska. Some electricity companies offer budget billing plans to help customers even out their payments throughout the year. If you need more help, we can give you more. Black Hills Energy has programs to help low-income customers with their energy bills. Customers can apply for assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or the Black Hills Cares Program.
The government provides assistance to help pay for utility and energy bills in the form of grants through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Many low income families may be eligible for free energy conservation measures as part of weatherization. The two programs being discussed are for those who may not have much money, such as senior citizens and families with young kids. Nebraska provides a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help low-income families pay their energy bills and weatherize their homes. This program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
The Salvation Army has a program called Share Some Warmth which helps people who are struggling to pay their Hastings Utility bills. This program is run in partnership with Hastings Utility. This program starts in December and ends in April. The program can focus on helping those who are experiencing an emergency, the elderly, and those with disabilities. The person must not be able to qualify for government aid and they need to have an energy service that is about to be disconnected. If you need to contact us, please call 402-463-1371.
MidAmerican Energy also offers the Heat Aid Fund as emergency assistance. This fund provides assistance to customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills. Please call 402-898-5966. Applicants must have applied for government assistance in the past.
MidAmerican Energy offers several government-sponsored energy assistance programs as well as financial assistance from non-profits. The resources available are the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, weatherization assistance, and government grants. Click for more information on MidAmerican Energy assistance.
Metropolitan Utilities District is a utility company that helps people with their heating needs. In order to apply for this program, the individual needs to be 60 or older, disabled, or in a crisis situation. This means that they are at risk of losing their connection to the internet. If you need help with money, you can call the Salvation Army at 402-898-5860. They have a program that can help you out financially.
The Pennies for Power program was created to help fund Nebraska Public Power District. This program is funded by donations from customers, local businesses, and charities. The program can help customers who are struggling to pay their utility bills due to an unexpected financial hardship. The local non-profit, the United Way, provides information and referrals to the program. People can get help from it up to once per year. Please call 402-444-6666.
To get help or apply, you can dial 800-967-1987, call 402-336-2803, or stop by the Niobrara Valley Electric office.
Omaha Public Power District works with the United Way and other partners to provide low-income families with help paying their energy bills through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government program that helps low-income households pay for their energy costs. The program provides financial assistance to help families pay their energy bills and expenses, primarily during the summer, spring, and fall months. The program helps people with unexpected costs like equipment repairs, summer cooling or winter heating bills, and other emergencies. Call (402) 444-6666.
Omaha Public Power District can help connect its customers to other programs that can provide assistance with energy solutions. Some assistance programs are offered by the government, others are administered by non-profit organizations in Nebraska, and the company also provides access to resources provided directly by OPPD for qualified individuals. For more information about Omaha Public Power District’s assistance programs, please click here.
There are some organizations that can help people who are struggling to pay their cooling bills during the summer. There are resources available to people who qualify that can provide them with free fans or air conditioners. Some funds can be used to cover the cost of air conditioning or cooling bills. Looking for ways to keep cool in Nebraska? Check out our resource page on free fans and air conditioners.