Get Help with Energy Bills

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) consists of three components: Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance and Cooling Assistance.

Additional information regarding Energy Assistance and an online application portal can be found on the Virginia Department of Social Services website. To apply by phone, call 833-5CALLVA (833-522-5582).

Fuel Assistance

Assists households with home heating costs, but is not intended to meet the household's total home energy cost during the winter. This benefit can be used for furnace re-starts, late charges, delivery charges, installation charges, and connection or re-connection fees. Applications can be submitted online, through the Enterprise Customer Service Center, and at local departments of social services. Applications are accepted from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November. After benefits are determined, authorizations for deliveries or service are sent to vendors in December.

Cooling Assistance

Assists households in acquiring or repairing cooling equipment or for the payment of electric bills to operate cooling equipment. To be eligible, a household must contain at least one vulnerable individual, which is classified as someone over the age of 60 or under the age of 6, or someone living with a disability.

Crisis Assistance

Assists households with emergency heating needs that cannot be met by Fuel Assistance or other resources.

• Applications are accepted from November 1 through March 15 for the following: one time only heat security deposit and/or heating equipment repair/purchase. Assistance is based on the availability of funds.
• Applications are accepted from the first workday in January through March 15 for the purchase of home heating fuel and the payment of heat utility bills. Assistance is based on the availability of funds.