Help Paying Electric & Gas Bills in South Carolina
The Main Programs
LIHEAP / SC Low Income Energy Assistance Program (SC LEAP)
📞 Apply through DSS: (864) 596-2770
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the primary federal energy assistance program. In South Carolina it's administered as SC LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program) through the Department of Social Services (DSS). Benefits are seasonal — the program typically opens in the fall for heating assistance and again in summer for cooling. Funds run out — apply as soon as the program opens each year.
Apply: Spartanburg DSS · 200 Magnolia St · Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Or call SC Thrive at 1-800-726-8774 for free application help.
Community Action of the Piedmont
Administers several utility and weatherization assistance programs in the Spartanburg area. Can help with electric, gas, and water bills. Also provides weatherization services (adding insulation, sealing air leaks) to reduce your utility bills permanently. Call to learn what's currently open.
Salvation Army – Spartanburg
Emergency utility assistance available on a case-by-case basis. Call to check current funding and eligibility. Often provides help for one-time crises — overdue bill, recent job loss, unexpected expense. 105 S Church St, Spartanburg.
Greater Spartanburg Ministries
Emergency utility assistance for Spartanburg County residents in crisis. Funding is limited — call early in the month when funds are freshest. May also assist with rent. 162 N Forest St, Spartanburg.
United Way Emergency Assistance Fund
📞 Dial 211
United Way funds are sometimes available for emergency utility assistance. Call 211 to check if funds are available and to be connected to the right agency.
Utility Company Programs
Both Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas (which serves parts of Spartanburg) have customer assistance programs — many people don't know these exist.
- Duke Energy SHARE: One-time bill assistance funded by customer donations. Call Duke Energy at 1-800-777-7117 and ask about SHARE assistance.
- Duke Energy deferred payment plan: If you can't pay your full bill, Duke can spread the balance over several months. Request a payment arrangement before you're disconnected.
- Piedmont Natural Gas EnergyShare: Crisis assistance for Piedmont Gas customers. Call 1-800-926-8111.
- Medical necessity protection: If someone in your home has a serious medical condition, your utility company may delay disconnection. Ask about this when you call.
If Your Power Has Been Cut Off
- Call Duke Energy or your provider immediately to ask about reconnection assistance and whether any programs can help cover the reconnection fee.
- Call 211 and explain that your power is off. Operators can connect you to emergency funding that may not be publicly advertised.
- Call the Salvation Army at (864) 582-7153 — they often have small emergency funds for exactly this situation.
- Extreme weather protection: South Carolina law prohibits utility disconnection during extreme heat or cold for customers who are elderly, disabled, or have young children. Call your utility company and inform them of your household situation.
How to Keep Bills Lower Going Forward
Once you're through the crisis, a few things can help keep bills manageable:
- Weatherization assistance — Community Action can add insulation and seal air leaks for free or low cost, which cuts utility bills permanently.
- Budget billing / average billing — Most utilities offer this, spreading your annual usage evenly across 12 months so you don't get hit with huge summer or winter bills.
- Low-income rate discounts — Duke Energy offers a "Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)" for very low-income households. Ask when you call.
- LIHEAP / SC LEAP — Apply every year as soon as the program opens — don't wait until you're in crisis.