Georgia Power offers a variety of energy assistance programs to help customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bills. From income-based discounts to free home efficiency improvements, we are committed to serving all customers, especially those in difficult financial circumstances.

Overview of Assistance Options

Here is a quick overview of the main types of energy assistance available from Georgia Power:

• Income-Qualified Senior Citizen Discount – Seniors 65+ earning below 200% of federal poverty guidelines can receive up to $24/month off their bill.
• Project SHARE – Donation-matching program providing emergency utility bill assistance through Salvation Army chapters.
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Federally funded program helping low-income households pay energy bills. We partner with DFCS.
• Energy Assessment & Solutions Program – Provides free home improvements like attic insulation and programmable thermostats to qualified low-income customers.
• HopeWorks – Free home weatherization for seniors 65+ earning below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for our assistance programs is based on factors like age, income, and family size. Here are some key requirements to be aware of:

• For the Senior Citizen Discount, you must be 65+ and have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. For a 1-person household, that’s $27,180 annually.
• Project SHARE has no firm eligibility standards – it provides emergency assistance on a case by case basis.
• To qualify for LIHEAP, your household income must be below 60% of the state median. You must also have a disconnection notice or have had service disconnected.
• The Energy Assessment & Solutions Program is for customers earning up to 200% of federal poverty guidelines. Priority is given to seniors, families with children, and persons with disabilities.

How to Apply

Applying for energy assistance from Georgia Power is easy. Here’s how to get started:

• Online – The fastest way to apply is through our online application portal. You can apply for the Senior Citizen Discount and Energy Assessment & Solutions Program online.
• By Phone – Call us at 1-888-660-5890 and speak with a representative to begin the application process.
• In Person – Visit your local Salvation Army office to apply for Project SHARE assistance. Bring photo ID, income documentation, and bills.
• Through DFCS – Apply for LIHEAP through the Division of Family and Children Services. You can locate your local DFCS office to apply in person.

Payment Plan Options

If you do not qualify for bill payment assistance, we offer flexible payment plans to help you get back on track with your electricity bill. These include:

• Payment extensions – Get 15 extra days to pay your bill without late fees.
• Balloon payments – Pay past due amounts in installments over 3-6 months while keeping your account current.
• Budget Billing – Pay a fixed monthly amount based on your average energy usage to even out seasonal spikes.
• PrePay – Pay ahead for electricity and only use what you pay for. Great for managing costs.

Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill

Along with financial assistance, we also provide programs to help reduce your power usage and monthly bills through energy efficiency. Options include:

• Online energy checkup – Get a customized energy profile showing how you can save.
• Home Energy Efficiency Program – Schedule an in-home energy audit to identify savings opportunities.
• Online rebates – Get instant rebates on LED bulbs, smart thermostats, power strips and more energy saving products.
• DIY energy tips – Take simple steps like sealing air leaks, adjusting thermostat settings, and switching to LEDs.

Extra Help for Seniors

We offer expanded energy assistance options for seniors, including:

• Income-Qualified Senior Citizen Discount – Up to $24/month off bills for seniors meeting income requirements.
• HopeWorks Program – Provides free home weatherization for low-income seniors 65+.
• Outreach events – We hold local events to help seniors apply for bill payment assistance and other programs.
• Priority service – Seniors can be designated as Priority Customers for faster outage response.
• Extra communication – We call Priority Senior Customers in advance of planned outages.

Reaching out for help paying your electricity bill does not need to be difficult. Georgia Power is committed to connecting customers to energy assistance options and working together to meet your home energy needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Georgia Power’s energy assistance programs:

How do I qualify for the Senior Citizen Discount?

You must be 65 years or older and have a household income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less. For a 1-person household, that’s $27,180 annually.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

We encourage you to still apply. Your application will be individually reviewed and exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

What bills can Project SHARE help with?

Project SHARE provides emergency assistance with utilities, rent/mortgage, food, shelter, medical bills, and more. The assistance is needs-based.

How much assistance can I get from LIHEAP?

LIHEAP provides up to $350 in assistance for utility bills. The exact amount depends on your income, family size, and heating fuel type.

What home improvements does the EASP program offer?

Common upgrades include attic insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, smart thermostats, high-efficiency showerheads, LED light bulbs, and more.

Will my power be turned off while I wait for assistance?

If you have applied or are enrolling in a payment program, your service will not be disconnected during review.

When do I need to reapply for assistance?

Most programs require reapplying each year. The Senior Citizen Discount is good for up to 36 months before having to reverify income.

Are any programs available for small businesses?

Yes! We offer energy efficiency programs specifically for small and medium Georgia businesses to help reduce their energy costs.

What if I have an urgent need for bill help?

Contact us immediately so we can rush your application. For emergency assistance, also contact your local Salvation Army for Project SHARE.

Georgia Power is committed to providing options for customers struggling with their electricity bills. Our energy assistance programs help connect qualified households to discounts, bill payments, and home improvements. Contact us today to begin the application process!