DC Utility Bill Help 2026–27: Pepco's Residential Aid Credit, the Utility Discount Program, LIHEAP Opening October 20 and Other Pepco Options
Washington, DC's utility help programs have income limits that reach well into the middle class. A family of four earning up to $132,900 can qualify for most of the District's discount programs this year. But the main programs run on a fiscal-year cycle, and for FY2027 the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) says applications open on October 20, 2026.
This guide explains what the Utility Discount Program covers for Pepco, Washington Gas and DC Water customers, how LIHEAP works in DC, what Pepco offers directly, and how to get your paperwork ready now.
Last checked October 2026. Sources: DOEE's Utility Discount Program, LIHEAP and Utility Affordability Programs pages; the DC Public Service Commission's page on utility discount programs and bill credits, which lists FY2027 income limits; and Pepco's DC Assistance Programs page. DOEE's pages were being updated for the new fiscal year when we checked, so confirm details after October 20.
The Short Version
Apply starting October 20, 2026: DOEE says FY2027 applications for both the Utility Discount Program (UDP) and LIHEAP open that day.
Income limit (FY2027): $93,050 for one person, $132,900 for four, per the DC Public Service Commission.
UDP discounts: up to $475 a year on electric bills ($300 without electric heat), up to $276 in winter on gas, and over $962 a year on water and sewer.
LIHEAP: a one-time benefit of $250 to $1,800, plus emergency help if your service is cut off.
Pepco extras: payment arrangements, a 14-day extended due date, a one-time 30-day payment delay, budget billing and a Customer Relief Fund.
Questions: DOEE Energy Services at 311 or (202) 737-4404.
Income Limits for FY2027
The DC Public Service Commission says nearly all of the District's utility discount programs and credits use these limits for October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027:
1 person: $93,050
2 people: $106,350
3 people: $119,650
4 people: $132,900
5 people: $143,550
6 people: $154,200
7 people: $164,800
8 people: $175,450
These are maximum annual incomes for the household. Check each program's application for full details. DOEE's UDP page still showed last year's slightly lower limits when we checked, so the new numbers should appear there once the FY2027 application goes live.
The Utility Discount Program (UDP)
UDP is DOEE's discount program for lower-income District residents. You must meet the income limits, and the utility bills must be in your name.
What it's worth
DOEE says eligible households could receive:
Up to $475 a year on electric bills, or $300 a year if you don't have electric heat
Up to $276 during the winter season on gas bills
Over $962 a year on water and sewer bills
How the Pepco discount works
The Public Service Commission explains that Pepco's low-income discount, the Residential Aid Discount (RAD), gives a monthly credit called the Residential Aid Credit (RAC). It covers the full customer charge and the distribution energy charge, and exempts you from three surcharges: the RAD surcharge, the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund surcharge and the Energy Assistance Trust Fund surcharge. On your bill these show up as "RAC – Distribution" and "RAC Surcharges."
You keep the credit even if you buy power from a third-party supplier. The Commission estimates the full credit equals about 25% of a typical RAD customer's bill. Applications go through DOEE.
How the Washington Gas discount works
The Washington Gas discount is called Residential Essential Service (RES). The Commission says it discounts part of the gas you use each month from November through April, and exempts you from several surcharges. To qualify, gas must be your main heating source, and DOEE must certify you as LIHEAP-eligible. You can enroll any time, but the enrollment year starts October 1.
What to include
DOEE says UDP applicants must send:
Your most recent utility bills, or copies
Proof of income for everyone in the home who has income
Social Security cards for everyone in the home
A disconnection notice, or a letter from the utility saying service was cut off, if that applies to you
LIHEAP in DC
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps with heating and cooling costs. DOEE says eligible households can receive a one-time regular benefit of $250 to $1,800, based on household size, income, heating source and type of home.
Emergency (crisis) help
DOEE treats a household as in crisis when it owes $250 or more after the regular LIHEAP benefit is applied and either:
your energy service has been disconnected, or
your delivered fuel, such as heating oil, is at 5% or less of the tank's capacity.
For emergency electric or gas help, you must bring documentation from Pepco or Washington Gas showing your service has been disconnected.
What to bring
Unexpired government photo ID for the applicant
Recent Washington Gas, Pepco and DC Water bills
Proof of current income for everyone in the home
Social Security cards for everyone in the home
A disconnection notice or utility letter, if your service has been cut off
How to apply
DOEE's pages describe these options:
By appointment: call 311 to schedule at a DOEE Energy Center. DOEE says appointments are required and walk-ins aren't accepted. The two centers are at 1207 Taylor Street NW (Wards 1 through 6) and 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE (Wards 6, 7 and 8). For FY2026, DOEE said these centers weren't scheduling in-person appointments, so check DOEE's page after October 20 for the FY2027 setup.
By mail: send the completed application and copies of your documents to Department of Energy & Environment, Attn: Utility Affordability Administration, 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002. DOEE posts translated applications.
Online: DOEE says it will post updated application links on October 20.
A warning from DOEE: it is the only entity authorized to accept LIHEAP applications. DOEE says it has learned that third parties may be collecting applications, and cautions you not to give your application to anyone else, including a utility or another agency, because it could put your personal information at risk.
If you disagree with a LIHEAP decision, DOEE's page links to your appeal rights.
What Pepco Offers Directly
Pepco's DC Assistance Programs page lists options that don't depend on DOEE's calendar:
Payment arrangements if you're having trouble paying your bill.
Extended Due Date: moves your due date out by 14 calendar days.
One-time Payment Delay: lets eligible customers put off paying the current bill for 30 days.
Budget Billing: a more predictable monthly bill.
Pepco Customer Relief Fund: DOEE describes it as a one-time relief fund launched with the Salvation Army for customers struggling with high energy costs.
Virtual appointments with an assistance counselor to help you apply for grants and assistance.
Emergency Medical Equipment notification program, for homes that depend on powered medical equipment.
Third-party notification, so a relative or friend gets copies of your notices.
Pepco doesn't spell out the terms of its payment arrangements on that page, so ask when you call.
Seniors and people with disabilities
The Public Service Commission says seniors and people with disabilities may get a $7.50 monthly credit on their Pepco bill if they receive the DC Homestead Deduction or the Senior Citizen/Disabled Property Tax Reduction, and don't already get RAD. Enrollment is automatic. If you think you qualify but don't see it, the Commission says to call Pepco at (202) 496-5830.
Washington Gas and DC Water Help
Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF): DOEE points Washington Gas customers to this fund, which Washington Gas created to help families pay heating bills.
DC Water: DOEE's affordability page lists CRIAC relief, a discount on the DC Water bill, along with DC Water's own financial assistance programs.
Lowering Bills for the Long Term
Solar for All: DOEE says residents may also get a discount on Pepco bills through the District's Solar for All program.
Weatherization Assistance Program: DOEE's program to make homes more energy efficient.
Lifeline phone service: Verizon's landline Lifeline costs $3 a month, or $1 for people 65 and older, according to the Commission. Lifeline has its own eligibility rules.
Get Ready Before October 20
Find your most recent Pepco, Washington Gas and DC Water bills.
Gather Social Security cards for everyone in the home.
Collect current income proof for everyone with income.
Make sure the utility accounts are in your name. UDP requires it.
If you've received a disconnection notice, keep it.
If you're behind now, call Pepco about an arrangement, extended due date or payment delay rather than waiting.
For help with any of these programs, the DC Public Service Commission's Office of Consumer Services is at (202) 626-5120.
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