Consumer Advisory
Utility Assistance Programs
Electric, gas and telephone utilities serve millions of customers in Georgia, but there are
many customers who can't afford gas, electricity or basic phone service without the help of payment assistance
programs. Many electric, gas, and telephone utility companies offer payment plans to their customers who
qualify. They may allow deferred payment for those who cannot pay their whole bill or delay disconnection for
customers trying to pay their bills. Many civic groups, charitable organizations, and churches in local
communities provide payment assistance to low income customers. For more information, contact your gas, electric,
or telephone service provider.
Telephone Programs
Lifeline
Lifeline Assistance provides up to a $13.50 credit on qualified residential customers' bills
in AT&T-Georgia's service area (a federal credit of $10 and an additional credit of $3.50 from AT&T-Georgia). Customers
in other telephone companies' service areas receive the $10 federal credit.
Link Up Georgia
Link-Up Georgia reduces the cost of hook-up charges for eligible customers. AT&T-Georgia waives
100% of the telephone service hook-up charge for its customers. Customers of all other local telephone companies
in Georgia receive a waiver of one-half of the connection charge or $30, whichever is less.
You may be eligible if you can prove that you are currently receiving benefits under onev of
the following programs:
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Senior citizen low-income discount plan offered by the local gas or power company
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Call your local phone company to see if you qualify.
Electric and Gas Programs
Weatherization
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (www.gefa.org)
distributes funds for weatherization assistance through Community Action Agencies for the repair or renovation
of homes of low-income residents to make them more energy efficient. For more information call 404.656.3826 or
contact your local Community Action Agency.
Low Income Energy Assistance
Most electric and gas utility companies provide an efficient means for their customers to
help needy individuals by making it possible to include charitable donations with utility bill payments. Georgia
Power Company and Atlanta Gas Light Company match funding contributed by their customers.
The Heating Energy Assistance Team ("HEAT") program is administered by the Georgia Department
of Human Resources statewide through Community Action Agencies. For more information call 404.656.6696 or your
local Community Action Agency. Project SHARE is also a statewide program and is administered by The Salvation
Army. For more information call 1.800.25SHARE or your power company's customer service number.
Senior Citizen Discounts
Senior citizen discount rates provide savings for those
who qualify. Customers who are at least 65 years old with a total household income of not more than $14,355
annually, are eligible to receive a $14.00 discount on their Georgia Power or Savannah Electric power
bill. Natural gas customers in Atlanta Gas Light Company's delivery area may receive up to a $14.00
discount. Call your gas or electric service provider for more information.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)/PSC Matching Grant for Seniors
As a resident of Georgia, you may qualify for a financial assistance program designed to help
you pay your energy bills. Low-income consumers who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive assistance
from the federally-funded LIHEAP.
- Has an annual income at or below 150% of the poverty level for Georgia,
- is responsible for paying the cost of his or her home's primary heating source, and
- is a U.S. citizen or legally admitted alien.
For more information or to apply for assistance, contact the numbers listed below.
Phone Numbers for LIHEAP Assistance
Name |
Number |
Department of Human Resources Fulton County and DeKalb County (inside city of Atlanta) |
800.869.1150 404.320.0166 |
DeKalb County (outside city of Atlanta), Gwinnett County and Rockdale County |
404.929.2454 |
Augusta area |
706.722.0493 |
Savannah-Chatham area |
912.238.2960 |
Macon-Bibb County |
478.738.3240 |
Other Financial Assistance Programs
- The United Way, 2.1.1, or 404.614.1000
- The Salvation Army, 404.873.3101, or 800.257.4273 - toll free
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please
contact us.