Eligible customers can receive grants of up to $1,000 applied directly to their Peoples bill — but the program closes this week

Peoples Natural Gas is issuing a final reminder that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — accepts applications only through May 8, 2026. Eligible customers who have not yet applied have just days to receive a one-time grant of $200 to $1,000 applied directly to their Peoples account. 

The federally funded, state-run program requires no repayment and no enrollment in other public assistance programs. Customers do not need to be behind on their bill to qualify, and income limits are often higher than people expect. The application process is simple and takes only a few minutes.

“We've seen too many customers miss out simply because they thought they had more time or assumed they wouldn't qualify,” said Rita Black, Peoples director of customer assistance programs. “May 8 is the final deadline — and with assistance applied directly onto a customer's bill, this is real, meaningful help. We're asking anyone who hasn't applied to do it today.”

Peoples urges all eligible households to apply before the deadline. Customers can visit Peoples-Gas.com/help or call 1-800-WARM (9276) to check eligibility and submit an application.

Additional Assistance Programs – Available Year-Round

LIHEAP is one part of a broader set of programs Peoples offers to help customers manage their energy costs throughout the year. Even after the May 8 deadline, customers can explore:

• Customer Assistance Program (CAP) — An income-based monthly payment plan, available year-round. Participants pay just 4–6% of their monthly income. A family of four earning up to $49,500 qualifies. 
• Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) Grants — One-time grants of up to $500 for customers facing financial hardship, available on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts. 
• Emergency Repair Program — A Peoples-funded program covering the full cost of repairing broken heating equipment or gas lines for eligible households. 

Who Qualifies? 

Eligibility for all programs is based on gross household income. Peoples' customer assistance team can help customers determine eligibility and apply for multiple programs in a single conversation.

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How to Apply

Customers can learn more and find directions on how to apply for each program by visiting peoples-gas.com/help or by calling 1-800-400-WARM (9276).