What does this funding get me?
This one-time payment helps eligible households pay their utility bills when they are experiencing a heating or cooling-related crisis. This money does not go directly to individual folks but instead goes to their energy provider.
Am I eligible?
Individual homeowners and renters are eligible. If you are a renter and your energy bill is included in your rent, you must have access to an itemized monthly bill.
Households are expected to have at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen meet the eligibility requirements:
- income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level (monthly income per number of individuals in household found here)
- an energy related crisis
- a utility statement showing how much is owed to alleviate the crisis
- an SSN for the application
A household is considered to be in a crisis if it is currently experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life threatening or health related emergency and the health or well being of a household member would be in danger if the heating or cooling crisis was not alleviated.
How can I access the money?
The application can be accessed here. En Espanól aplicar aqui.
You can apply by mail, email, fax, or drop-off at your local Department of Social Services (DSS).
If you are unsure about your eligibility or would like to speak with an agent about CIP, contact your local social services office directly. To find your local office, input your state and county here:
Contact Directory for NC Social Services Departments
Having trouble finding the application? Please email us at info@energyfundsforall.org with the subject line “ CIP– (Your County)” and we can help!
What is the timeline?
This money is available now until funds are exhausted. You can apply from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. You can access this money one time per program year.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program (HEAR)
Home Energy Rebates (HER)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay their heating bills. The application will be open from December 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Click here to learn more about how to apply.
If you are approved for LIHEAP or the Crisis Intervention Program, you automatically qualify for Duke Energy’s Customer Assistance Program. CAP provides a flat monthly credit of up to $42 on your bill for 12 months, making your energy costs more manageable. Once your LIHEAP or CIP application is approved, the credit will be automatically applied to your Duke Energy bill.
If you are a Duke Energy customer in NC, the Tariffed On-Bill program can help homeowners and renters install energy efficiency improvements, pay over time on their electric bill, and save money immediately.
Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
Where can I get more information?
- Rewiring America’s Personal Electrification Planner helps homeowners and renters see what funds may fit their individual needs. In less than five minutes, the Personal Electrification Planner will generate a customized plan to help users go electric based on their unique home, lifestyle, and priorities. Check out the Planner HERE.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Meech Carter at info@energyfundsforall.org.