Salt Lake City Rocky Mountain Power Bill Help 2026–27: HEAT, the HELP Credit and Lend a Hand
If you live in Salt Lake City and are behind on your Rocky Mountain Power bill, three programs work together:
HEAT, Utah's federally funded energy assistance program, which helps pay power and gas bills.
HELP, Rocky Mountain Power's Home Electric Lifeline Program, which takes up to $19 a month off the electric bill.
Lend a Hand, a Salvation Army program funded by donations, which Rocky Mountain Power matches.
The HEAT season for the 2026–27 year started October 1. Households with elderly or disabled members or young children can apply now. The general public can apply starting November 1.
The simplest path is to apply for HEAT. Utah Community Action, the HEAT agency for Salt Lake and Tooele counties, says a HEAT benefit on your Rocky Mountain Power account automatically enrolls you in HELP for the next 12 months.
This guide explains each program, who qualifies, what to bring and who to call. Programs and funding change, so confirm details before you apply.
Quick Contacts
| Need | Who to call | |---|---| | HEAT application, appointments and HELP questions (Salt Lake and Tooele counties) | Utah Community Action, (801) 359-2444 or toll-free 844-214-3090 | | Lend a Hand energy assistance | The Salvation Army, 801-969-0526 or toll-free 1-855-969-0526 | | Due date extension or payment arrangement | Rocky Mountain Power | | Other help with rent, food and bills | 2-1-1 (211 Utah) |
Step 1: Apply for HEAT
The Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program is federally funded. Rocky Mountain Power says it is run by the Utah Department of Workforce Services through local agencies. In Salt Lake County, that agency is Utah Community Action.
When You Can Apply
The HEAT program year runs October 1 to September 30, or until federal LIHEAP money runs out. According to Utah's HEAT program information:
Priority households can apply starting October 1. These are households with someone who is disabled, someone 60 or older, or a child under 6.
Everyone else can apply starting November 1.
Utah Community Action says you can get HEAT once per season. If you are approved, you can choose how much of your benefit goes to your power bill and how much goes to your gas bill.
Who Qualifies
Utah Community Action says:
households with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level are eligible,
priority goes to elderly and disabled households and households with children under six,
the applicant must be the person responsible for the utilities, and
at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
What to Bring
Utah's HEAT program lists these documents:
Social Security cards for everyone in the household
picture ID for everyone 18 and older
proof of birth date for one child age 5 or younger, if you have one
your most recent utility bills (natural gas, power or propane)
proof of income for all household members for the month before you apply
proof of medical expenses for the month before you apply
an income deficit form for each adult over 18 who is not working
Other documents may be required.
How to Apply in Salt Lake County
Utah Community Action accepts HEAT applications online, by mail, by fax, by email or by drop-off. You can also call (801) 359-2444 to schedule a phone appointment, and staff will guide you through the application. The agency says all application methods are processed at similar speeds.
Expect a wait. Utah Community Action says HEAT applications take 6 to 8 weeks to process. You will then get an approval or denial letter by mail. If you are approved, benefits show up on your utility accounts 6 to 10 days later. If a HEAT worker asks you for more information, send it quickly to avoid delays.
Crisis Help With a Shutoff Notice
Utah Community Action offers crisis assistance year-round for households with a qualifying crisis and a 48-hour shutoff notice. The agency warns that a 48-hour notice does not guarantee a faster appointment or application, and you still need to keep paying your utility bill. Call (801) 359-2444 right away if you get a notice.
Utah Community Action also says water assistance may be available on a limited basis.
Step 2: Get the HELP Monthly Credit
The Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP) gives income-qualified Rocky Mountain Power customers a monthly bill credit. Rocky Mountain Power says you may be eligible if your income meets HEAT program guidelines, and the local HEAT agency can help you enroll.
How Much HELP Is Worth
Rocky Mountain Power's Utah price summary, in effect as of September 25, 2026, lists:
Low Income Lifeline Credit: up to $19.00 a month.
Life Support Assistance Credit option: up to $10.00 a month more, for eligible customers.
If your electric service charge plus surcharge adjustment is less than $19, the credit equals that smaller amount. That way the credit never takes the bill below zero.
How to Enroll
Through HEAT (recommended): Utah Community Action says that if your Rocky Mountain Power account receives a HEAT benefit, you are automatically enrolled in HELP for the next 12 months.
Separately: You can print a HELP application and follow its instructions. Utah Community Action says separate HELP applications are processed once a year, between July and August. For help, call (801) 359-2444 or 844-214-3090.
Because separate applications are processed only in summer, applying for HEAT this fall is usually the fastest way to start the HELP credit.
Step 3: Ask Lend a Hand for Extra Help
Lend a Hand is run by The Salvation Army. It provides energy assistance using donated funds. Rocky Mountain Power says households with senior and disabled members get priority.
To apply, call The Salvation Army at 801-969-0526 or toll-free 1-855-969-0526. Rocky Mountain Power matches every dollar donated to Lend a Hand, up to $60,000 a year.
Step 4: Ask Rocky Mountain Power for More Time
If you need time to pay, Rocky Mountain Power says you can request a due date extension or another payment arrangement. Ask before the due date if you can. If you have a HEAT application in process, tell Rocky Mountain Power. HEAT can take 6 to 8 weeks.
Step 5: Cut Future Bills With Free Weatherization
Rocky Mountain Power partners with the Utah Department of Workforce Services to offer weatherization at no cost to income-qualifying households. The work can lower energy costs and make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Ask Utah Community Action or the Department of Workforce Services how to apply.
Other Help: 211 Utah
211 Utah is an information and referral service that connects Utahns to health and human services. Rocky Mountain Power says its most-requested services include housing resources, utility payment help, food pantry information and mental health resources. Dial 2-1-1.
Salt Lake City Power Bill Checklist
[ ] Checked whether you are a priority household (disabled, 60+, or a child under 6) that can apply for HEAT now, or a general household that can apply November 1
[ ] Gathered Social Security cards, photo IDs, last month's income proof and your latest power and gas bills
[ ] Applied for HEAT with Utah Community Action, or called (801) 359-2444 for a phone appointment
[ ] Planned for a 6 to 8 week wait, plus 6 to 10 days for the benefit to post
[ ] Called right away for crisis help if you got a 48-hour shutoff notice
[ ] Watched for the automatic HELP credit (up to $19 a month) after your HEAT benefit posts
[ ] Called The Salvation Army about Lend a Hand at 801-969-0526
[ ] Asked Rocky Mountain Power for a due date extension or payment arrangement
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to apply for HELP separately? Usually not. Utah Community Action says a HEAT benefit on your Rocky Mountain Power account automatically enrolls you in HELP for 12 months.
How much is the HELP credit? Rocky Mountain Power's Utah price summary lists a maximum of $19 a month, plus up to $10 more for eligible life support customers.
Does HEAT help with my gas bill too? Yes. Utah Community Action says HEAT helps with power and gas bills, and approved clients choose how to split the benefit.
Can I get HEAT more than once this winter? HEAT is once per season, which runs October 1 to September 30. Crisis help for a 48-hour shutoff notice is available year-round for qualifying households.
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