Help with an electric bill you can't pay

If you're staring at a shutoff notice, you're not alone — and you have more options than the notice makes it sound. Work through these in order.

1. Call the utility before the shutoff date

Almost every electric and gas utility has a hardship or payment-plan department that the bill never mentions. Ask specifically about: a deferred payment plan (spreading the balance over months), a shutoff hold while an assistance application is pending, and medical holds if anyone in the home relies on powered medical equipment. Many states also ban or restrict winter and summer shutoffs — ask what your state's rule is.

2. Apply for LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that pays energy bills for qualifying households, including crisis grants when shutoff is imminent. Apply through your state's energy office or your local Community Action Agency. If shutoff is within days, say so — crisis applications are processed faster.

3. Dial 211

211 is a free, confidential, nationwide line that maintains the local list: Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul utility funds, church benevolence funds, county emergency assistance, and utility-run customer assistance programs (many utilities fund their own hardship funds through bill round-up programs). One call maps everything available in your ZIP code.

4. Post your bill on DueDone

While applications process, you can also post the bill itself. On DueDone, you upload the bill, we verify it by hand, and donors pay the utility directly — you never receive cash, and the payment is confirmed publicly with a PAID ✓ stamp. Semi-anonymous and fully anonymous listings are available, and your account number is never shown in public.

DueDone is not a charity and gifts are not tax-deductible. Verification is done by a human, so post before the due date whenever you can. See how it works and the FAQ.