Applications open for winter energy assistance programs
MidAmerican encourages customers who meet income guidelines to apply for energy assistance
DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 30, 2026) – As colder weather approaches, MidAmerican Energy encourages customers who may qualify for energy assistance to explore programs that can help offset winter heating costs.
The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, provides funding to states to assist eligible households with home energy expenses. Each state administers its own program, and qualifying low-income customers can apply for heating assistance through their state agency.
“Keeping customers connected to safe, reliable energy is important, especially during the winter months,” said Chelsea McCracken, MidAmerican vice president of customer operations. “Energy assistance programs such as LIHEAP can help support households facing financial challenges, and we encourage customers to apply as early as possible if they think they may be eligible.”
Customers who have received a disconnection notice are encouraged to contact MidAmerican at 888-427-5632 to discuss available payment arrangements and assistance options.
State energy assistance programs
Illinois LIHEAP
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Illinois, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below the 300% federal poverty guidelines for the 30 days prior to the application’s filing. For example, a single-person household is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $3,990, and a family of four is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $8,250.
The program began taking applications on October 1 for people 60 and older, disabled people, families with children five years old or under, and households that have been disconnected, or have a disconnect date within seven days. All other income-eligible households can start applying on November 1. The program will accept applications through August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted. Customers who are eligible for assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Illinois, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below the 300% federal poverty guidelines for the 30 days prior to the application’s filing. For example, a single-person household is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $3,990, and a family of four is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $8,250.
To apply, Illinois residents in Rock Island, Mercer and Henry counties should contact Project NOW, Inc. at projectnow.org or 309-793-6391. Residents can also call the state’s LIHEAP hotline at 833-711-0374.
For more information about the Illinois LIHEAP program, go to the state’s Utility Bill Assistance website.
Iowa LIHEAP
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2026 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $31,920. A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $66,000.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2026 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $31,920. A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $66,000.
The program began taking applications October 1 for those at least 60 years old or disabled. All other applications are accepted from November 1 through April 30, 2027.
Eligible customers who need help with energy bills should apply for LIHEAP at a local community action outreach office.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has additional information about the program. Eligibility requirements information is also available by dialing 211.
Nebraska LIHEAP
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the state’s LIHEAP assistance.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the state’s LIHEAP assistance.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Nebraska, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For example, a single-person household can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $23,940, and a family of four can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $49,500.
Nebraska customers can apply for assistance now through March 31, 2027, for the 2026-2027 heating season. LIHEAP application forms are available through the iServe Nebraska website, by phone at 800-383-4278 or at DHHS public assistance offices.
South Dakota LIEAP
South Dakota’s Department of Social Services distributes Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds on a first-come, first-served basis through May 15, 2027. Eligibility for South Dakota’s LIEAP is based on the number of people in the home, household income, heating source type and county. For example, a single-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $7,980 or less, and a four-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $16,500 or less.
South Dakota’s Department of Social Services distributes Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds on a first-come, first-served basis through May 15, 2027. Eligibility for South Dakota’s LIEAP is based on the number of people in the home, household income, heating source type and county. For example, a single-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $7,980 or less, and a four-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $16,500 or less.
South Dakota LIEAP application forms are available at the South Dakota Department of Social Services website, by phone at 800-233-8503 or at local DSS offices.
Budget Billing provides predictable monthly bill
Customers who want to avoid month-to-month bill fluctuations can opt for MidAmerican’s Budget Billing program, which allows customers to pay the same amount each month for a set period. The free program does not lower rates or costs but does offer a more predictable bill.
Customers who want to avoid month-to-month bill fluctuations can opt for MidAmerican’s Budget Billing program, which allows customers to pay the same amount each month for a set period. The free program does not lower rates or costs but does offer a more predictable bill.
How you can help low-income customers this winter
To help those in need, customers can donate to MidAmerican’s I CARE program. I CARE provides funding to local community action agencies to assist low-income residents with heating bills and home weatherization.
To help those in need, customers can donate to MidAmerican’s I CARE program. I CARE provides funding to local community action agencies to assist low-income residents with heating bills and home weatherization.
Customer donations fund I CARE, together with a 25% match from MidAmerican. Tax-deductible donations to the I CARE program stay within the local community and go directly to help those in need. MidAmerican customers can donate to the I CARE program by noting the donation amount on their monthly bill or pledging online.
About MidAmerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 838,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 811,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican is available at MidAmericanEnergy.com and company social media channels.
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 838,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 811,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican is available at MidAmericanEnergy.com and company social media channels.