Sky-High Cooling Bills: County Helps Residents in Need

Used for 2023 budget cover

The summer may be coming to an end, but home cooling bills are coming due. And with record-breaking heat this year, those bills are likely higher than usual.

Mecklenburg County residents who have trouble paying their summer cooling bills can get help from the Department of Social Services (DSS). The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a federal program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis, a life threatening or health related emergency, and have a final notice or past due utility bill. Assistance is available year-round or until funds are exhausted.

To qualify for help under the Crisis Intervention Program, a household must meet the following criteria:

  • At least one eligible U.S. citizen or legal resident

  • Income below 150% of the federal poverty limit

  • Be responsible for energy bills

  • Households must be in a cooling or heating-related emergency

Applicants must provide:

  • Identification, such as a state ID card, driver's license, or passport

  • Utility bill

  • Social security number

  • Proof of income

There are several ways to apply:

  • Visit AllAccess.MeckNC.gov for more information and to apply online.

  • Call 704-336-3000 to complete a telephone application. An energy representative will contact the applicant to begin the interview process.

  • Visit a DSS location in person:

    • Wallace Kuralt Center, 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211

    • Community Resource Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 1000, Building A, Charlotte, NC 28208

To learn more about the Crisis Intervention Program, visit MeckNC.gov/ENERGY.