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Reliable heating in Wyoming is essential for survival during the long winter months. When temperatures drop below freezing, energy costs can quickly destabilize a household budget. Fortunately, a multi-layered support system is available to help residents maintain safety and warmth.
This network includes federal grants, state regulatory protections, and private charitable funds. The most effective strategy involves applying for federal aid first, then utilizing private resources if gaps remain. Understanding the specific application windows and eligibility rules for each program is vital for success.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent Status (Late 2025): A federal funding delay has caused a temporary pause on LIEAP application approvals. Officials strongly urge residents to apply immediately to secure their place in the queue.
- Primary Support: The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is the main resource for heating bills, available from October through April.
- Income Eligibility: Households earning up to 60% of the State Median Income (approx. $68,900 for a family of four) may qualify.
- Gap Funding: Energy Share of Wyoming provides "last resort" grants, specifically prioritizing those who may earn too much for federal aid.
- Legal Protection: Utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting service if the 48-hour weather forecast predicts temperatures below 32°F.
The(https://dfs.wyo.gov/assistance-programs/home-utilities-energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance-program-lieap/) administers LIEAP, the state's primary defense against heating insecurity. This program provides non-repayable grants to offset the cost of electricity, natural gas, propane, wood, or pellets. It focuses on keeping people safe, not just paying bills.
Urgent Status Update (Late 2025)
As of November 2025, state officials have announced a temporary pause on finalizing application approvals. This is due to delays in federal budget allocations. You should still apply immediately. Submitting your application now ensures you are in the system and ready to receive benefits the moment funding is released.
Types of Support Available
Income Guidelines
Wyoming uses 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) for eligibility. This threshold is generally higher than the federal poverty line, allowing more working families to qualify.
Gross Income Limits:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
| 1 Person | $35,829 | $2,985 |
| 2 People | $46,853 | $3,904 |
| 3 People | $57,877 | $4,823 |
| 4 People | $68,902 | $5,741 |
| 5 People | $79,926 | $6,660 |
Note: Income is calculated using gross amounts before taxes. Priority is given to households with seniors (60+), disabled members, or children under five.
While LIEAP helps with current bills, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) targets the root cause of high costs. This program provides free home upgrades to eligible homeowners and renters to reduce energy consumption.
Certified contractors perform professional energy audits to identify heat loss. Common improvements provided at no cost include:
How to Apply: You can apply for WAP using the standard LIEAP application. Simply check the box requesting weatherization services to be considered for both programs simultaneously.
If you do not qualify for federal aid or face an unexpected financial shock,(https://www.energyshareofwyoming.org/) serves as a lender of last resort. This non-profit organization is funded by voluntary donations from utility customers and corporations.
Program Overview
Your specific utility provider may offer its own assistance fund. These resources are often separate from state aid and can provide a critical bridge during emergencies.
Rocky Mountain Power: Lend A Hand
The "Lend A Hand" program matches customer donations 2-for-1.
Black Hills Energy: Black Hills Cares
Black Hills Energy facilitates the "Black Hills Cares" fund, supported by employee and customer donations.
Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) & Dominion Energy
The(https://psc.wyo.gov/) enforces strict regulations to protect human safety during extreme weather events.
The Temperature Moratorium
Utilities are prohibited from disconnecting your service for non-payment if the weather is dangerous. Specifically, if the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures below 32°F within the upcoming 48 hours, disconnections cannot occur.
Additional "No-Disconnect" Rules
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, taking proactive steps can prevent a crisis.
If you are an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho or Eastern Shoshone tribes living on the reservation, you should contact your tribal designated office directly rather than the state Department of Family Services. The Northern Arapaho Tribe, for example, administers its own LIHEAP and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds through the office in Ethete, ensuring culturally relevant and expedited support for tribal members.
Yes, Wyoming’s LIEAP is designed for rural living and covers a wide range of alternative heating sources, including propane, heating oil, wood, coal, and pellets. When applying, you must declare your primary fuel type so benefits can be paid directly to the correct vendor—whether that is a local utility company or a bulk fuel supplier.
A life-threatening crisis—such as a complete lack of heat during dangerous sub-zero temperatures or a medical need for power—triggers an 18-hour response rule where the agency must intervene immediately. For standard emergencies, like a disconnect notice or having less than a 7-day fuel supply, the program typically requires the situation to be resolved within 48 hours of your application being verified.
Yes, renters can qualify even if they do not pay a separate energy bill, provided they can prove that heating costs are a specific financial burden included in their monthly rent. To do this, your landlord must complete and sign a specific Rental Verification Form (available from the DFS website) to confirm your residency and heating arrangement.
To avoid delays, you must provide proof of gross income for all household members (typically the three most recent consecutive paystubs) and legible copies of your most recent heating and electric bills. Additionally, you will need to submit photocopies of identification (such as a driver's license or birth certificate) for every single person living in your household, not just the primary applicant.
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