ROANOKE, Va., July 2, 2025 – Temperatures are beginning to rise. And with increased heat comes the potential for higher-than-normal electric bills. Appalachian Power Company (APCo) wants customers to be aware of government funds and payment assistance programs available to support their energy costs this summer.
“High temperatures in the summer months can lead to increased energy usage,” said Aaron Walker, APCo president and COO. “We want customers to be aware of federally funded programs that could help qualified applicants with summer energy cooling costs, essentially helping to ease the financial burden on their monthly bills. We understand that every situation is different, and we remain committed to working with our customers to find solutions that best fit their individual needs.”
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that can help income-eligible customers reduce their electric bills. Availability varies based on funding allowance and application deadlines. Applicants must meet certain income, household and other requirements to be eligible. State-specific programs and resources are available at the links below.
- Tennessee: LIHEAP provides assistance with electric bills to qualifying customers in Tennessee. Customers can view more information on the Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s website.
- Virginia: Utility bill assistance is available to qualifying customers through Virginia’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP). One component of the program is Cooling Assistance, which can help cover cooling-related energy costs. Applications for Cooling Assistance are accepted until August 15. Customers can view more information on the Virginia Department of Social Service’s website.
Additionally, Virginia customers with a gross annual income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). PIPP aims to help qualifying customers manage their electric bill, and it is administered by the social service agency where the customer resides.
Periods of extreme weather, such as the summer months, can increase a customer’s energy usage and bills. The Average Monthly Payment (AMP) program allows APCo customers to receive stable bills throughout the year.
APCo customers may also be eligible for other forms of payment assistance to support their energy needs, such as a one-time payment extension or an extended payment arrangement to help spread payments over time.
For more information about these programs and other resources, please visit AppalachianPower.com/Assistance or contact the company directly.