Financial or Payment Assistance for Utility Customers | Department of Public Service
Source: https://publicservice.vermont.gov/financial-or-payment-assistance-utility-customers
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Financial or Payment Assistance for Utility Customers | Department of Public Service
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Financial or Payment Assistance for Utility Customers
Consumer Assistance Programs
The Department of Public Service (Department) does not provide direct financial assistance to consumers. However, several programs are available to help Vermonters who are experiencing financial challenges establishing, maintaining, or restoring utility service.
Affordable Internet Service Programs
The following programs may provide discounted internet service to eligible households. Each program has specific eligibility requirements.
USAC Lifeline Internet Discount -
USAC Website
A federal program that provides a monthly discount on internet or phone service for qualifying low-income consumers.
Comcast Internet Essentials -
Xfinity Website
Low-cost internet service for eligible households.
Spectrum Internet Assist (Charter) -
Spectrum Internet Assistance Webpage
Discounted broadband service for qualifying customers.
AT&T Access Program -
AT&T Affordable Internet Webpage
Affordable home internet service for eligible households.
Verizon Forward Program -
Verizon Save on Home Internet Webpage
Discounts on home internet service for qualifying customers.
Important:
This is not a complete list of available programs. Consumers are encouraged to contact their internet service provider directly to ask about lower-cost plans, discounts, or billing concerns.
Electric and Natural Gas Utility Discounts
Several Vermont utilities offer bill discounts for income-eligible customers:
Green Mountain Power
and
Vermont Gas Systems
Offer discount programs for qualifying households. Applications and additional information are available through the Energy Assistance program administered by the Department for Children and Families.
Visit the Department of Children and Families Energy Assistance Webpage
.
Burlington Electric Department (BED)
Provides a 12.5% discount on energy and customer charges for eligible customers.
For further information and to apply, see
BED's Energy Assistance Program Webpage.
Washington Electric Cooperative
and
Vermont Electric Cooperative
Offer a monthly discount (up to $45) for up to five years through the Affordable Community Renewable Energy (ACRE) Program. Eligibility is income-based, and enrollment may be limited.
See the
Affordable Community Renewable Energy Program (ACRE) Webpage
for further information and the application form.
State and Community Agencies Providing Financial Assistance
Vermont 211
A statewide referral service that connects residents with local resources. Call
211
or
visit the Vermont 211 website
to find assistance with utility bills and other essential needs.
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) -
CCAs Website
Nonprofit organizations that may provide financial assistance with utility bills, particularly if you have received a disconnection notice. Contact the agency serving your area for assistance.
Visit the
interactive map
to find a CAA closest to you.
Heating and Energy Assistance Programs
Fuel Assistance Program -
Fuel Assistance Program Webpage
Helps eligible households pay a portion of home heating costs, regardless of housing type or payment method.
Crisis Fuel Assistance -
Crisis Fuel Assistance Webpage
Provides emergency support during the winter if you are at risk of running out of heating fuel.
Emergency/General Assistance -
Emergency and General Assistance Webpage
Supports individuals and families with basic needs during emergencies, including housing, utilities, and food.
Emergency Heating System Program -
Emergency Heating System Webpage
Assists with the repair or replacement of a primary heating system during a heating-related emergency.
Weatherization Assistance Program -
Weatherization Assistance Program Webpage
Improves home energy efficiency, safety, and comfort, helping reduce long-term energy costs.
Lifeline Telecommunications Program
The Lifeline Program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible low-income consumers. This program helps ensure access to essential communication services, including employment, healthcare, and education resources.
For more information or to apply,
visit the Department’s Lifeline Telecommunications Program webpage
or
the USAC Lifeline website
.
Lifeline Survivor Benefit Program
Under the Safe Connections Act of 2022, the Lifeline Survivor Benefit Program supports survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes.
Eligible individuals may:
Receive discounted phone or internet service
Request separation from shared or family phone plans associated with an abuser
Visit the Survivor Benefit Program Webpage
.
Programs for Consumers with Disabilities
Vermont offers programs to assist consumers with disabilities in accessing and maintaining telephone services. Please
visit the Department’s Resources for People with Disabilities webpage
for additional information.
Heating Fuel Group Purchasing Programs
Fuel-buying groups allow members to purchase heating fuel at reduced rates through bulk purchasing agreements. Examples include:
Energy Co-op of Vermont -
Energy Co-op of Vermont Website
Ruth Clark Fuel Group (
802-433-6317
)
VHeat Fuel Buying Program (Vermont State Employees Credit Union supported program) -
VHeat Fuel Program Website
Heating Fuel Price Information
The Department conducts the Heating Fuel Price Survey (HFPS) to monitor fuel costs across Vermont.
October–March:
Weekly data collection
April–September:
Monthly data collection
The survey includes both:
Credit prices (payment plans)
Cash prices (pay-in-full discounts)
Visit the Department’s Heating Fuel Price webpage
for current pricing information and additional resources.
Skip to main content
Home
Careers
About Us
Document Library
Public Advocacy
Regulated Utilities
Energy Efficiency Utilities
Efficiency
Renewables
Telecommunications and Connectivity
Consumer Information and Assistance
Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB)
Financial or Payment Assistance for Utility Customers
Consumer Assistance Programs
The Department of Public Service (Department) does not provide direct financial assistance to consumers. However, several programs are available to help Vermonters who are experiencing financial challenges establishing, maintaining, or restoring utility service.
Affordable Internet Service Programs
The following programs may provide discounted internet service to eligible households. Each program has specific eligibility requirements.
USAC Lifeline Internet Discount -
USAC Website
A federal program that provides a monthly discount on internet or phone service for qualifying low-income consumers.
Comcast Internet Essentials -
Xfinity Website
Low-cost internet service for eligible households.
Spectrum Internet Assist (Charter) -
Spectrum Internet Assistance Webpage
Discounted broadband service for qualifying customers.
AT&T Access Program -
AT&T Affordable Internet Webpage
Affordable home internet service for eligible households.
Verizon Forward Program -
Verizon Save on Home Internet Webpage
Discounts on home internet service for qualifying customers.
Important:
This is not a complete list of available programs. Consumers are encouraged to contact their internet service provider directly to ask about lower-cost plans, discounts, or billing concerns.
Electric and Natural Gas Utility Discounts
Several Vermont utilities offer bill discounts for income-eligible customers:
Green Mountain Power
and
Vermont Gas Systems
Offer discount programs for qualifying households. Applications and additional information are available through the Energy Assistance program administered by the Department for Children and Families.
Visit the Department of Children and Families Energy Assistance Webpage
.
Burlington Electric Department (BED)
Provides a 12.5% discount on energy and customer charges for eligible customers.
For further information and to apply, see
BED's Energy Assistance Program Webpage.
Washington Electric Cooperative
and
Vermont Electric Cooperative
Offer a monthly discount (up to $45) for up to five years through the Affordable Community Renewable Energy (ACRE) Program. Eligibility is income-based, and enrollment may be limited.
See the
Affordable Community Renewable Energy Program (ACRE) Webpage
for further information and the application form.
State and Community Agencies Providing Financial Assistance
Vermont 211
A statewide referral service that connects residents with local resources. Call
211
or
visit the Vermont 211 website
to find assistance with utility bills and other essential needs.
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) -
CCAs Website
Nonprofit organizations that may provide financial assistance with utility bills, particularly if you have received a disconnection notice. Contact the agency serving your area for assistance.
Visit the
interactive map
to find a CAA closest to you.
Heating and Energy Assistance Programs
Fuel Assistance Program -
Fuel Assistance Program Webpage
Helps eligible households pay a portion of home heating costs, regardless of housing type or payment method.
Crisis Fuel Assistance -
Crisis Fuel Assistance Webpage
Provides emergency support during the winter if you are at risk of running out of heating fuel.
Emergency/General Assistance -
Emergency and General Assistance Webpage
Supports individuals and families with basic needs during emergencies, including housing, utilities, and food.
Emergency Heating System Program -
Emergency Heating System Webpage
Assists with the repair or replacement of a primary heating system during a heating-related emergency.
Weatherization Assistance Program -
Weatherization Assistance Program Webpage
Improves home energy efficiency, safety, and comfort, helping reduce long-term energy costs.
Lifeline Telecommunications Program
The Lifeline Program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible low-income consumers. This program helps ensure access to essential communication services, including employment, healthcare, and education resources.
For more information or to apply,
visit the Department’s Lifeline Telecommunications Program webpage
or
the USAC Lifeline website
.
Lifeline Survivor Benefit Program
Under the Safe Connections Act of 2022, the Lifeline Survivor Benefit Program supports survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes.
Eligible individuals may:
Receive discounted phone or internet service
Request separation from shared or family phone plans associated with an abuser
Visit the Survivor Benefit Program Webpage
.
Programs for Consumers with Disabilities
Vermont offers programs to assist consumers with disabilities in accessing and maintaining telephone services. Please
visit the Department’s Resources for People with Disabilities webpage
for additional information.
Heating Fuel Group Purchasing Programs
Fuel-buying groups allow members to purchase heating fuel at reduced rates through bulk purchasing agreements. Examples include:
Energy Co-op of Vermont -
Energy Co-op of Vermont Website
Ruth Clark Fuel Group (
802-433-6317
)
VHeat Fuel Buying Program (Vermont State Employees Credit Union supported program) -
VHeat Fuel Program Website
Heating Fuel Price Information
The Department conducts the Heating Fuel Price Survey (HFPS) to monitor fuel costs across Vermont.
October–March:
Weekly data collection
April–September:
Monthly data collection
The survey includes both:
Credit prices (payment plans)
Cash prices (pay-in-full discounts)
Visit the Department’s Heating Fuel Price webpage
for current pricing information and additional resources.