Why are my bills so high? What does this mean during hot summer weather?
Many DC residents are already seeing unusually high electricity bills this year, even before the hottest months arrive. With summer approaching, rising energy costs and uncertainty about assistance programs are making it harder for households to plan and stay comfortable during the heat. We wanted to share what’s going on, steps you can take now, and where to find help if you need it.
Why Energy Bills Are Higher
There are several factors that contribute to these higher costs, including rising demand for electricity, seasonal weather patterns, and fluctuation in gas prices used to generate power. Demand is also driven by population growth and the increasing number of electronic devices used in homes.
Data centers are rapidly expanding across Maryland and Northern Virginia, affecting the DC area as well. Although data centers hold cloud computing and artificial intelligence, they require enormous amounts of electricity.
In March 2026, the DC Council passed a law that prevents Pepco from deactivating the electricity of residents and businesses for 90 days if they owe $1,000 or less. This legislation recognizes that many residents are struggling to pay bills tied to rate increases and that no one should lose essential services because of sudden, dramatic cost hikes.
Available Energy Assistance Programs
The Utility Affordability Administration (UAA) is a resource for energy efficiency, utility affordability, and residential services for District residents.
Provides direct financial assistance through discounts to low-income residents to help offset their utility bills
Helps improve the overall comfort, energy efficiency, and safety of DC residents’ homes
Receive Assistance with Your Utility Bills (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government-funded program that assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs.
Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $200 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit.
While energy costs are rising, there is uncertainty around funding for utility assistance programs:
The President’s proposed federal budget for FY27 includes eliminating funding for the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
**While this budget proposal is unlikely to pass as written, it creates uncertainty.
What this means for residents: Energy assistance programs are still available, but funding levels and availability could change, so applying early is important.
Receive Discounts on Your Utility Bills (UDP)
The District of Columbia Utility Discount Program (UDP) helps low-income DC residents lower the cost of essential utility bills, including electricity, gas, and water/sewer.
The program is run by the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and is designed to make utilities more affordable and prevent service shutoffs.
UDP often works alongside LIHEAP (the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), so in many cases, a single application determines eligibility for both programs.
Resources beyond LIHEAP:
Washington Gas: Energy Assistance Programs - Washington Gas
DC Water: Financial Assistance | DC Water
Information about the LIHEAP Application
The DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) is currently accepting applications for LIHEAP and the Utility Discount Program (UDP) for FY26.
If you applied for UDP before November 13, 2025, your application is under review and will be used to process both UDP and LIHEAP.
All residents seeking energy assistance will need to meet income guidelines and provide the following documents when submitting their application:
A government-issued, unexpired photo identification card for the applicant
Recent Washington Gas, PEPCO, and DC Water utility bills
Proof of current income for all household members
Social security cards for all household members
Your service disconnection notice or a letter from the utility company that states the service has been disconnected (if applicable)*
To get ahead of the curve, apply for DOEE energy assistance by completing the online application. Refer to doee.dc.gov/liheap to view more information about the process and alternate ways to submit the application.
If you’re missing documents or have questions, applying anyway or reaching out for help is still encouraged.
Where to Get Help with the LIHEAP Application
Emergency Assistance is for when energy service has been disconnected or home heating oil is depleted.
Regular Assistance is for when energy service has not been disconnected.
For help:
Review the income guidelines to verify income eligibility
Call 311 or (202) 737-4404 to schedule an appointment at one of DOEE’s Energy Centers
Additional Steps Residents Can Take to Lower Energy Costs
In addition to utility assistance programs, small everyday changes can help residents lower their energy use and reduce monthly bills. The tips below from the U.S. Department of Energy are simple, affordable, and can be implemented—even if a household is currently receiving energy assistance.
Use fans instead of air conditioning
Use the bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans while showering or cooking to lower household temperature
Adjust your thermostat regularly
Use shades and blinds during the day to keep heat out
Shut off lights, computers, and other electronic appliances when you’re not using them
More tips from the U.S. Department of Energy are available here.
Home Energy Audits
Home energy audits, also known as home energy assessments, can help you understand how your home is using energy. It shows how much energy your home uses, where it is inefficiently using energy, and which problem areas and fixes can improve energy use and comfort in your home.
Department of Energy & Environment: DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Energy Audit
DIY Audits can help you identify and correct any energy losses from your home. Below are some tips to perform your own DIY Audit:
Correcting Air Flow Problems: Identify where air leaks are occurring
Lighting: Conserve energy by turning off lights or using efficient light bulbs
Indoor Air Quality: Back-drafting occurs when exhaust fans pull combustion smoke into living areas, making air quality unsuitable
Insulation: The level of insulation in your ceilings and walls determines the amount of heat loss in your home
Tzedek DC is Here to Help
We know energy costs are a concern for many people during the upcoming summer season. If you’re facing legal or financial hardship due to high energy costs or any other consumer-related issues, our team is here for you. We offer free legal and financial counseling for DC residents.
Reach out now: tzedekdc.org/legal-services-contact-us
Visit tzedekdc.org or call us at (202) 274-7386.
Please note: If you are a new client requesting financial or legal assistance via voicemail or online submission, our intake response time may be up to 10 business days.