Need Help with Bills? Assistance Is Available

A happy family sitting in the living room of a house

The temperature’s dropping, but residents may still be feeling the pinch of high cooling bills, with heating bills soon to follow. Mecklenburg County residents who have trouble paying their energy bills can get help through the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). This County-administered program helps 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 residents year-round or until funding runs out.

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, applicants must provide:

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

To apply, visit MeckNC.gov/ENERGY, call 704-336-3000, or visit the:

HOMES grants provide extra support    

The Helping Out Mecklenburg homeowners with Economic Support (HOMES) program is also accepting applications to help residents address rising home costs.  

HOMES provides economic assistance grants of up to $650 to qualifying homeowners in Mecklenburg County. Residents within the Town of Davidson may qualify for an additional grant of up to $534. The HOMES program is accepting applications now through November 21, 2025.  

For more information, regarding the HOMES program visit MeckNC.gov/4HOMES, email [email protected], or call 980-314-4663.