NC has programs to help pay energy bills and prevent shut-offs.
County next steps
Orange · Durham · Wake · North Carolina · Adults 18+
Orange County
Orange County DSS
113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough; or 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
919-245-2800- Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
- Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
- Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.
Durham County
Durham County DSS
414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
919-560-8000- Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
- Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
- Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.
Wake County
Wake Health & Human Services — Swinburne
220 Swinburne Street, Raleigh, NC 27610
919-212-7000- Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
- Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
- Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.
Key facts
- LIEAP: a one-time heating-vendor payment. December priority includes households with someone 60+, or a qualifying disabled person receiving services through NC Aging and Adult Services. Other households apply January 1–March 31, while funds last. County DSS determines eligibility.
- Crisis Intervention Program (CIP): income-eligible households with a health-related or life-threatening heating or cooling crisis may qualify. The July–June funding cycle can end early when funds run out; a past-due bill alone does not establish eligibility.
- Weatherization Assistance: free home repairs that cut energy use.
- Ask the power company about medical certificates (delaying shut-off when someone has a serious illness) and payment plans.
Official sources
- NC DHHS: Energy assistance (LIEAP and CIP)
- NC DHHS: LIEAP eligibility and application periods
- NC DHHS: Crisis Intervention Program
- NC Weatherization Assistance
Last checked October 2026. Amounts and rules change, so confirm with the official source before sharing.