Utility/Weatherization Assistance
Our goal at the KCAO Home & Energy Department is to lend support to those navigating difficulties with their utility bills. Recognizing the crucial role of water, gas, electricity, and other essential utilities, we offer various programs designed to address the needs of individuals and families, assisting with both current and past due bills.
The current administration's executive orders have impacted LIHEAP program funding and operations. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a payment assistance benefit, even if you are approved.
Utility Assistance Applications Opening Online April 1st
Please note that appointments will no longer be required after April 1st. All applications and documents must be submitted online.
Keep in mind that while we strive to help as many residents as possible, certain program restrictions and funding limitations may apply.
Electric and Gas Bill Assistance
Helps families with due, past due, or disconnected utility services once per contract year on either their electric, gas, or wood/propane/oil bill.
Weatherization
Weatherization services help reduce energy cost and make your home more energy efficient.
Water Bill Assistance
Water funding has been depleted. At this time KCAO will not be providing water assistance for the 2025 calendar year.
Electric and Gas Assistance
The gas and electric program help families with due, past due, or disconnected utility services once per contract year on either their electric, gas, or wood/propane/oil bill. This is done by pledging an eligible amount towards their utility bill, followed by check paid directly to their utility company.
This program assists once every year and is available to residents of Kings County. Funding is limited, and program restrictions apply.
Utilities assistance is funded by the California Department of Community Services and Development
Electric and Gas Assistance Eligibility
Be a permanent and legal United States resident.
Be a resident of the State of California.
Reside in Kings County
Meet income guidelines.
Be responsible for energy bills and costs.
Electric and Gas Assistance Income Guidelines
| Persons In Household | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,170.00 |
| 2 | $4,145.41 |
| 3 | $5,120.83 |
| 4 | $6,096.25 |
| 5 | $7,071.58 |
| 6 | $8,047.00 |
| 7 | $8,229.91 |
| 8 | $8,412.75 |
| 9 | $8,595.66 |
| 10* | $8,778.58 |
*For families/households with more than 10 persons, add $183.00 for each additional person.
Electric and Gas Assistance Required Documents
Please come prepared with paper copies of all your documents.
Upload all of your required documents to the online application.
If you have any issues with processing your application, please contact the KCAO Home and Energy Department at 559-415-7215.
Valid picture identification
Social Security Card
Income for all household members for the last 30 days
If you are:
A CalWORKs or CalFresh recipient, provide current Passport to Services from Kings County Human Services Agency.
Collecting SSA or SSI benefits, provide a current Award Letter/Verification of Benefits Form or a current Bank Statement.
Receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits, submit a current Award Letter or current pay stubs.
Receiving a Pension or Retirement payments, provide a current Award Letter or current Pay Stubs.
Receiving Child Support, provide evidence of payments received.
Self Employed, please provide the current year’s signed and dated 1040 Tax Forma and 1040, Schedule 1. Schedule C (for self-employment) or Schedule E (for rental income) must be submitted along with current 1040.
If the current year’s tax form is unavailable, please provide the following:
A copy of the ledger or journal, Or
A signed self-employment statement showing gross receipts, gross expenses, and net income.
(Proof must cover a one-month time period and be current within 6 weeks of the application intake date).
Both current electric and gas bills are needed to determine eligibility (the bills must have at least a 22-day billing cycle, and you must include all pages).
Weatherization
Weatherization services help reduce energy cost and make your home more energy efficient.
We can help through the Weatherization Program. This program aims to reduce energy costs and make your home more energy-efficient. Program restrictions apply, so please call to see if you qualify for this program.
The Weatherization Program services can include (if applicable):
Carbon Monoxide testing of combustion appliances (e.g., gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas stoves, gas dryers)
Carbon Monoxide alarm installation
Energy conservation education
Instruction on How/When to use appliances efficiently
Repair or replacement of furnace
Installation of energy-efficient appliances
Replacement of refrigerators
Replacement of microwave ovens
Miscellaneous Services: caulking, cover plate gaskets, glass replacement, weather stripping, cooler vent covers, faucet restrictors, low-flow shower heads, water heater blankets, water heater pipe wrap, LED interior/exterior fixtures, and bulbs.
Weatherization Eligibility
Be a permanent and legal United States resident.
Be a resident of the State of California.
Reside in Kings County
Meet income guidelines.
Be responsible for energy bills and costs.
Electric and Gas Assistance Income Guidelines
| Persons In Household | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,170.00 |
| 2 | $4,145.41 |
| 3 | $5,120.83 |
| 4 | $6,096.25 |
| 5 | $7,071.58 |
| 6 | $8,047.00 |
| 7 | $8,229.91 |
| 8 | $8,412.75 |
| 9 | $8,595.66 |
| 10* | $8,778.58 |
*For families/households with more than 10 persons, add $183.00 for each additional person.
Required Documents
Valid picture identification
Social Security Card
Income for all household members for the last 30 days
Current electric and gas bill (must have at least a 22-day billing cycle and include all pages)
Rental Agreement or proof of ownership of a home (deed or mortgage statement)
DO NOT e-mail pictures or copies of your ID and Social Security Card. Make sure you bring those with you, as your identity will be verified in person on the date of the appointment.
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Do you live outside of Kings County?
For residents outside of Kings County, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs.
Text "energy" to 559-314-3627
Receive updates regarding our Home & Energy programs.
Help fight fraud, waste, abuse. It's your money!
Misuse of U.S. Department of Labor Funds
Violations of Federal Procurement Regulations
Federal Workers' Compensation Fraud
Falsification or Forgery of Official Documents
Unemployment Insurance Fraud
Visa Certification Fraud.
If you suspect wrongdoing involving U.S. Department of Labor programs or operations, contact the OIG Hotline 800.347.3756
www.oig.dol.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a 48-hour shut-off (disconnect) notice, can I have a walk-in appointment?
Walk-in appointments are not available for households with 48-hour notices. Walk-ins are only available for people who already have their utilities shut off.
I need help in replacing windows.
Weatherization conducts assessments to determine what can be done. Window replacement could be one of the items if it's considered a safety hazard, however the Weatherization assessment will ultimately determine this.
If you encounter an emergency such as no hot water or no cooling in the home or are in need of general weatherization assistance, please call (559) 415-7215 or email us at WX@KCAO.org with your name, house address, and phone number so we may see about addressing your needs. Please let us know, specifically, what your needs are.