The Washington Legislature requires electric utilities to make low-income energy assistance programs and funding available for low-income households under RCW 19.405.120. Here you can find state policies and related reports on utility low-income energy assistance programs and the Legislature’s request for a design recommendation for a statewide monthly low-income energy bill assistance program.
If you are looking for low-income energy assistance, contact your utility for local program offerings and visit the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) page to learn how to determine your eligibility and apply for the program through community action agencies and local partners.
Utility programs and funding
RCW 19.405.120, Section 120 requires utilities to make programs and funding available for energy assistance.
Commerce is required to submit a biennial report to the Legislature that includes:
- A statewide overview of energy assistance programs, energy costs, and the need for energy assistance.
- A breakdown of current spending on energy assistance for low-income households.
- An evaluation of the best ways to provide energy assistance, including customer rates, discounts for low-income households, system benefits charges, and public and private funding.
- A review of methods to focus energy assistance on low-income households with higher energy costs.
Commerce published its second biennial energy assistance report in May 2025.
Resources
Reports and supporting materials
- Low-Income Energy Assistance 2025 Legislative Report (PDF)
- Statewide Monthly Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Design (PDF)
- Supporting materials (Box)
- Electric Utility Reporting List (PDF)