Georgia Utility Relief Programs: Financial Aid Guide 2025-2026

Georgia Utility Relief Programs act as a critical financial lifeline for residents struggling with rising energy and water costs. These initiatives help bridge the gap between household income and the expense of maintaining essential services. The system relies on a mix of federal grants, state mandates, and cooperative aid to assist vulnerable populations. Navigating these distinct funding sources is essential for families facing disconnection or high seasonal bills.

Key Takeaways

• Critical 2025 LIHEAP Delay: Due to federal funding delays, the 2025-2026 heating assistance program for seniors (65+) and the medically homebound is delayed until January 2, 2026. General public access begins February 2, 2026.
• Expanded Georgia Power Discount: The Income-Qualified Discount now offers $33.50 monthly to customers with SSI, SSDI, or Section 8 vouchers, regardless of age.
• New Water Assistance: DeKalb and Gwinnett counties have launched new Water Rate Assistance Programs (WRAP) in late 2025 to help low-income households prevent service cuts.
• Medical Protections: Regulated utilities must postpone disconnection for 30 days if a shut-off would aggravate a certified serious illness.
• Decentralized Application: Federal funds are managed by local Community Action Agencies (CAAs), not a central state office. You must apply with the agency in your specific county.

Navigating the Assistance Landscape

The delivery of aid in Georgia is decentralized. No single application covers every program. Residents must typically apply separately for federal grants, utility-specific discounts, and private charitable relief.

Federal funds are managed by local Community Action Agencies, while companies like Georgia Power handle their own discount enrollments. Distinguishing between "regular" assistance and "crisis" intervention is vital. Regular assistance helps subsidize future bills. Crisis funds are reserved for households facing immediate service termination.

Federal Aid: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is the state's primary energy funding source. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The (https://dfcs.georgia.gov/services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap) oversees the program, but local non-profits process the actual applications. Grants are paid directly to the energy provider.

2025-2026 Season Delays

The 2025-2026 LIHEAP season faces significant schedule changes due to federal funding delays.

• Priority Enrollment (Delayed): Normally opening in December, applications for seniors (65+) and medically homebound residents will now open January 2, 2026.
• General Enrollment (Delayed): The program will open to all other eligible households on February 2, 2026.
• Impact: Residents should expect longer wait times and are encouraged to seek utility-specific or charitable aid while waiting for portals to open.

Income Eligibility Guidelines (FY 2025)

Georgia uses 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) to determine eligibility. This threshold is often higher than the federal poverty level.

• 1 Person: ~$33,038
• 2 Persons: ~$43,203
• 3 Persons: ~$53,369
• 4 Persons: ~$63,535
• Benefit Amount: Payments typically range from $400 to $810 depending on household income and fuel type.

Georgia Power Assistance Programs

Georgia Power offers relief options that operate independently of federal grants. In May 2024, the company significantly expanded its assistance criteria. This shift moved away from strictly age-based qualifications to a broader model of financial need.

Income-Qualified Discount

This program provides a monthly bill credit of $33.50. It includes a waiver of the $24.00 base service charge and up to $9.50 in fuel cost recovery fees. To qualify, customers must apply through Georgia Power and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be 65 years or older with a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• Receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8).

Project SHARE

Project SHARE is a charitable program funded by utility customers and matched by Georgia Power.

• Purpose: It provides emergency financial assistance for critical needs, including energy bills.
• Management: The Salvation Army administers the intake process and funds distribution.
• Access: Applicants must contact their local Salvation Army corps to request aid, rather than calling the utility company.

Natural Gas and Deregulated Markets

In Georgia's deregulated natural gas market, assistance is often applied to the base charges set by Atlanta Gas Light (AGL). Marketers like Gas South or SCANA Energy bill the customer, but the discount structure is regulated.

Senior Citizen Discount

Seniors can receive a discount of up to $14.00 per month on their base charge.

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be 65 years of age or older.
• Income Requirement: Total household income must be below a set cap. For 2025, this is typically $31,300 (aligned with 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a single person).
• Application: Customers must submit a specific affidavit to their natural gas marketer to verify eligibility.

SCANA Energy Regulated Provider

The "Regulated Provider" program is a state-designated service for low-income or credit-challenged consumers who cannot get service elsewhere.

• Group 1 (Low-Income): offers natural gas at a reduced rate.
• Eligibility: Matches LIHEAP income limits (e.g., $33,038 for a 1-person household).
• Action: Contact SCANA Energy Regulated Division directly to apply.

New Water Assistance Programs (2025)

Recognizing the rising cost of water services, several metro Atlanta counties have introduced specific relief programs.

DeKalb County WRAP

The Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP) launched in late 2025 to assist low-income households.

• Benefits: Can cap water bills at a percentage of income or provide direct credits.
• Eligibility: Household income below 60% of HUD limits (approx. $48,000 for 1 person).
• Administrator: Managed in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta.

Gwinnett County WRAP

Gwinnett's Water Resources Assistance Program helps homeowners with plumbing repairs to reduce high bills caused by leaks.

• Focus: Fixing leaks and septic issues for low-income homeowners.
• Income Limit: 65% of Area Median Income (approx. $52,000 for 1 person).

Consumer Rights and Protections

The (https://psc.ga.gov/) enforces rules that protect consumers during health crises and extreme weather. These regulations apply to investor-owned utilities.

Medical Disconnection Rules

Utilities cannot disconnect service if it would aggravate a serious illness.

• Notification: The customer must notify the utility of the condition immediately.
• Certification: A medical professional must provide a written statement within 10 days certifying the illness.
• Duration: Disconnection is postponed for 30 days. This hold can be renewed one time.

Weather Restrictions

Disconnections are restricted during specific weather events to ensure public safety.

• Freeze Protection: Service cannot be cut if the temperature is forecasted to be 32°F or below for a 24-hour period.
• Heat Advisories: Similar protections apply when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat advisory.

Program Comparison Data

Strategic Steps for Applicants

Securing aid often requires stacking benefits from multiple sources. Residents should not assume that receiving one form of aid disqualifies them from others. A senior household could legally receive the Georgia Power monthly discount, the AGL gas discount, and a federal LIHEAP grant simultaneously.

Documentation is the most common bottleneck. Applicants should maintain digital copies of recent utility bills, proof of income for all household members, and Social Security cards. Being prepared allows for immediate action when the (https://heatga.org/) or LIHEAP windows open. Given the 2025 funding delays, applying early in the revised January/February windows is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions