Cold weather is coming, and help is available for winter utility bills. There are two annual programs available for utility account holders who meet income qualifications.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of home energy costs through a one-time per year benefit. The 2025 LIEAP application period will begin Nov. 18 and end at 5 p.m. March 31, 2025. An online application will be available on Nov. 18 at dcf.ks.gov.

Share The Warmth is a partnership between The Salvation Army and Kansas Gas Service that provides energy assistance to senior citizens, individuals with disabilities and those whose immediate financial resources cannot cover their home-heating expenses. Share The Warmth is available to residents in the communities served by Kansas Gas Service. For assistance, visit KansasGasService.com or contact The Salvation Army at 1-816-756-5392, ext. 2.

The Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services administers the Johnson County Utility Assistance Program that provides financial assistance to qualifying low-income households. Assistance may be provided for electric, water, gas or wastewater utility bills. Financial assistance can be provided for past-due utility bills or assistance with payment plans by calling 913-715-6653 or visiting jocogov.org/utilityassistance.