Struggling to Pay Your Electric Bill in Florida? Here’s Help

Paying high electric bills can be a huge burden, especially for low-income families in Florida With the hot, humid climate, air conditioning costs can eat up a big chunk of your monthly budget Fortunately, there are programs that provide help with paying electric bills in Florida for those who qualify.

I’ve done lots of research and want to share what I’ve learned about assistance programs for Florida electric bills. Whether your power was shut off or you just need help covering costs, there are resources available. Keep reading to learn who qualifies, how to apply, and other ways to reduce your energy costs in Florida.

Who Qualifies for Electric Bill Assistance in Florida?

The main program for electric bill aid is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) LIHEAP is federally funded and provides help for heating and cooling costs. To qualify for LIHEAP in Florida, you must

• Be a resident of Florida
• Have a household income below 150% of the federal poverty level
• Provide recent energy bill and proof of income

Here are the maximum annual household income levels to qualify for LIHEAP:

• 1 person – $22,590
• 2 people – $30,660
• 3 people – $38,730
• 4 people – $46,800
• 5 people – $54,870
• 6 people – $62,940
• 7 people – $71,010
• 8 people – $79,080

For families over 8, add $8,070 for each extra person.

So a family of 4 making under $46,800 per year would likely qualify for LIHEAP electric bill assistance.

How Do You Apply for LIHEAP in Florida?

To apply for LIHEAP electric bill assistance, contact your local LIHEAP provider agency. This will be a county government office or non-profit organization.

You can find a list of LIHEAP providers in Florida broken down by county here. Just select your county and the contact info, address, and phone number will be listed.

Call the LIHEAP office for your county and explain you need help with an electric bill. They will give you the application form and explain what documents you need. Required documents normally include:

• Photo ID
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, etc)
• Recent electric bill
• Social security cards for all household members

The LIHEAP application process takes around 30 days. If approved, the payment is sent directly to your electric company to credit your account. The amount of aid depends on your income, energy costs, and available funding.

Other Florida Programs for Electric Bills

In addition to LIHEAP, some utility companies in Florida offer assistance programs for low-income customers. For example:

• Florida Power & Light (FPL) – Offers relief grants for past due bills and discounted monthly rates through their LIHEAP Residential Assistance Program.

• Duke Energy – Has a program called Neighborhood Energy Saver that provides free energy efficiency upgrades and monthly bill credits.

• Tampa Electric – Low-income customers can get home energy checkups and bill payment assistance through their Care Program.

Contact your electric provider to ask if they have programs available for lower income families. Some municipalities and counties also offer local electric bill programs.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity provides weatherization assistance to improve home energy efficiency for low earners. Things like installing insulation, repairing appliances, and replacing old AC units. This helps reduce electric consumption and costs.

7 Ways to Reduce Electricity Usage and Bills

Along with financial assistance programs, you can take steps to lower your power usage and monthly bills:

1. Use fans – Run ceiling fans on high instead of air conditioning to stay cooler.

2. Replace light bulbs – Switch to LED bulbs that use at least 75% less energy.

3. Unplug devices – Unplug electronics and chargers when not in use to avoid phantom drain.

4. Seal leaks – Use caulk and weather stripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows.

5. Use power strips – Plug multiple devices like TVs into power strips and turn off when not in use.

6. Wash clothes in cold water – Use cold water instead of hot to wash clothes and save on water heating.

7. Cover windows – Close blinds and drapes during the day to block sunlight and keep your home cooler.

Making small changes around your home can lead to noticeable energy savings over time. And be sure to take advantage of electric bill assistance programs if you are eligible. With some practical steps, you can reduce the strain of high electricity costs in Florida.