Keeping You Cool: Assistance Available for High Summer Energy Bills

A happy family sitting in the living room of a house

Nothing will run up the electric bill like running the air conditioning during the recent extremely hot weather. Mecklenburg County residents who have trouble paying their summer cooling bills can get help through the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). It is a County-administered program to help low-income households with their immediate energy needs, so they do not need to choose between cooling or heating their homes and other basic needs. CIP accepts applications from all residents year-round or until funding runs out.

APPLY: To begin the application process, visit MeckNC.gov/ENERGY or visit one of our three locations:

Applicants can also call 704-336-3000.

An applicant must be in a heating or cooling related emergency, meet income guidelines, and have a final notice or past due utility bill. Households must meet the following criteria: 

  • At least one eligible U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Be responsible for the energy bills
  • Income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Limit 

In addition to the application, an interview is required and applicants must provide:

  • Identification, such as a driver license, State ID card, or passport
  • Utility bill
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of income

The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is one of two programs that help Mecklenburg County residents with their energy bills. The other is the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) available December through March.