Written & Reviewed by
Nebraska utility help
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Nebraska has several ways to get help with heating, cooling, electricity, natural gas, and some water bills. The best route depends on your income, your utility company, whether you have a shutoff notice, and whether a health condition makes loss of service dangerous. This guide explains the current statewide programs and the most useful local utility programs for older Nebraskans.
Bottom Line
Start with Nebraska’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, the main income limit is 150% of the federal poverty level. If shutoff is threatened, call ACCESSNebraska at 1-800-383-4278.
Also call your utility. Nebraska law gives many residential customers notice, dispute, payment-plan, medical-hazard, and third-party-notification rights. Extra winter protection applies to Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy gas customers, not automatically to every provider.
If a Shutoff Is Close
- Call the utility now. Ask for the shutoff date, amount needed to stop disconnection, and payment options.
- Call ACCESSNebraska. If shutoff is threatened, call 1-800-383-4278 and ask about LIHEAP crisis assistance.
- Mention medical risk. Ask how to submit a medical certificate if loss of service would create an immediate and serious health hazard.
- Use a backup route. Call 211 for current utility funds and local agencies.
Start Here
- For heating, cooling, or a shutoff crisis: use the Nebraska LIHEAP page or call ACCESSNebraska.
- For a drafty or inefficient home: contact the Nebraska weatherization program.
- For help beyond utilities: see our Nebraska senior assistance guide and Nebraska emergency assistance guide.
| Problem | Best first route | Important point |
|---|---|---|
| Heating bill | Nebraska DHHS LIHEAP | Heating assistance is seasonal; crisis help can be year-round. |
| Cooling bill | Nebraska DHHS LIHEAP | Cooling help has extra household-member rules, including age 70 or older. |
| Shutoff notice | Utility plus LIHEAP crisis | Do not wait for regular seasonal assistance. |
| Broken furnace or AC | DHHS and DWEE | Two different repair/replacement routes may apply. |
| High energy use | Weatherization or utility efficiency program | Funding and eligible work depend on the program and property. |
| Water bill | Local water utility and 211 | The temporary federal LIHWAP water program has ended. |
Why Utility Help Works Differently in Nebraska
Nebraska’s electric system is unusual. The Power Review Board says Nebraska is the only state where all retail electricity is supplied by consumer-owned entities such as public power districts, cooperatives, and municipalities. That means there is no single investor-owned electric company or statewide electric rate regulator that controls every residential electric account.
That local structure matters because payment plans and assistance programs differ by provider. The Nebraska Public Service Commission regulates Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy natural gas service, but not city- or village-owned gas systems or ordinary electric service. Always confirm the rule with your own utility.
Nebraska LIHEAP: The Main Statewide Bill-Help Program
Nebraska DHHS administers LIHEAP. For the current program year, a household generally must have gross income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, meet citizenship and residency rules, be responsible for home-energy utilities, and meet the rules for the requested service.
| Household size | Maximum annual gross income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $23,940 |
| 2 | $32,460 |
| 3 | $40,980 |
| 4 | $49,500 |
| 5 | $58,020 |
| 6 | $66,540 |
| 7 | $75,060 |
| 8 | $83,580 |
For each additional household member, DHHS says to add $8,520. These are the limits posted for the program year beginning October 1, 2026.
Heating assistance
Nebraska’s heating season runs from October 1 through March 31. LIHEAP makes one heating payment per season to the utility provider. It is not designed to erase the entire bill, so the household remains responsible for charges that the benefit does not cover.
Cooling assistance has extra rules
The cooling season runs from June 1 through August 31. A household must meet LIHEAP eligibility and include a member who fits one of Nebraska’s cooling categories: a child under age 6 receiving Aid to Dependent Children, a person age 70 or older, a person with a severe heat-aggravated condition verified by a licensed healthcare provider, or someone who received a DHHS air conditioner within four years of the application date.
For the medical route, DHHS uses form IM-55. A licensed healthcare provider must verify the condition. The age-only cooling category starts at 70, not 60 or 65.
Crisis assistance can be year-round
Crisis assistance is the route to ask about when service is threatened or already lost. DHHS says crisis payments can be made year-round and can include deposits and reconnect fees. The household must be LIHEAP-eligible and have a qualifying crisis tied to an unexpected inability to pay within the most recent 90 days, such as a sudden medical or household expense, a major involuntary loss of work or wages, illness or injury of a primary wage earner, departure of a primary wage earner, or a significant income loss after a household member dies.
The current FFY 2027 state plan treats age 60+, disability, young children, certain medical risks, and electricity-dependent medical devices as life-threatening crisis factors. Tell DHHS when any apply.
If you already use other Nebraska benefit programs, our Nebraska benefits portal guide explains the state’s main online entry points.
Furnace, Air Conditioner, and Weatherization Help
Nebraska has two important repair routes. DHHS currently lists furnace or central air-conditioner repair or replacement assistance of up to $750 for qualifying LIHEAP households. The current rule requires an owned or being-purchased home, a necessary repair or replacement, requested estimates, and generally no similar assistance in the previous 60 months unless DHHS allows an exception.
DHHS also lists a separate Heating and Cooling Repair and Replacement Assistance program administered through the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE). That route can provide repair, purchase, and installation of a heating or cooling system up to $5,000. DHHS warns that weatherization and this repair program have different eligibility rules, so do not assume the normal LIHEAP income table is the final test. Call DWEE at 402-471-2186 to ask which repair route fits your situation.
Weatherization can lower future bills
Nebraska’s Weatherization Assistance Program serves households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Households with a member receiving Aid to Dependent Children or Supplemental Security Income are automatically income-eligible. The state gives preference to people over age 60, people with disabilities, and families with children under age 6.
Weatherization can include insulation, air sealing, and heating-system safety or efficiency work selected after an energy audit. It is not a general repair grant: DWEE says roof replacement, siding repairs, and replacement windows are not standard weatherization work. Funding is limited, so waitlists are possible.
For repairs that are broader than energy work, see our Nebraska home repair guide.
Programs From Nebraska Utilities
Several Nebraska utilities also offer their own funds, efficiency help, or payment arrangements.
| Utility | Help to ask about | Current practical point |
|---|---|---|
| OPPD | EAP, CAP, EEAP, payment plans | EAP can provide up to $500 per year; CAP is a limited pilot; EEAP may provide up to $3,000 in efficiency upgrades. |
| NPPD | Pennies for Power, payment plan | Dollar Energy Fund screens Pennies for Power applications; NPPD also offers customized payment plans. |
| Lincoln Electric System | Payment arrangement, local agencies | Call before the situation becomes critical; local Community Action help may be available with a disconnect notice. |
| M.U.D. Omaha | Home Fund, payment arrangement | Home Fund is aimed at seniors, people with disabilities, and limited-income customers in severe hardship; funds are limited. |
| Black Hills Energy | Black Hills Cares, LIHEAP, arrangements | Customers with a pending disconnect should contact the company promptly. |
| NorthWestern Energy | Payment arrangement, due-date extension, LIHEAP | Nebraska customer assistance: 1-800-245-6977. |
Omaha Public Power District
OPPD energy assistance can provide up to $500 per year when rules and funding are met. The CAP pilot offers a monthly credit to qualifying households at or below 100% of federal poverty guidelines, with a 3,000-customer cap and no past-due balance at application. The OPPD efficiency program may provide up to $3,000 in upgrades.
OPPD’s medical-equipment program can add planned-outage notice and communication, but it does not provide priority restoration or prevent nonpayment disconnection. Keep backup power and a relocation plan.
NPPD and Lincoln Electric System
NPPD customers can check NPPD Pennies for Power and call 1-877-275-6773 about a payment plan. Lincoln Electric System customers can use LES financial assistance or call 402-475-4211; LES also lists local Community Action help for disconnect notices.
Omaha gas and water through M.U.D.
The M.U.D. Home Fund serves seniors, people with disabilities, and limited-income customers in severe hardship. Funds are limited; applications go through partner agencies. M.U.D. customers can also call 402-554-6666 about account options.
Black Hills and NorthWestern gas
Black Hills customers can check Black Hills assistance, including Black Hills Cares; pending disconnects should be reported at 1-888-890-5554. NorthWestern customers can use NorthWestern payment help or call 1-800-245-6977.
Nebraska Shutoff Protections to Know
Nebraska law provides a basic disconnection process for many residential customers of public or private water, natural-gas, and electric utilities. Under Nebraska disconnection law, utilities covered by section 70-1605 generally must give notice and wait at least seven days after the notice is sent or given before disconnection. Weekends and holidays do not count in that seven-day period.
The required notice rules also cover the shutoff date, utility contact, conference and dispute rights, installment plans, and the medical-hazard procedure.
Medical-hazard protection
For utilities covered by section 70-1605, a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse can certify that disconnection would create an immediate and serious health hazard. File the certificate within five days of the shutoff notice, excluding weekends and holidays. When the rule applies, disconnection is postponed at least 30 days, with one required postponement per nonpayment incident. The bill still remains due.
Third-party notice
Nebraska’s third-party notice rule lets covered customers name someone else to receive a proposed shutoff notice. This can help an older adult who has trouble managing mail or bills.
Village-owned municipal utilities
Village-owned municipal utilities use a separate statutory process with at least seven days’ mailed notice and a right to request a village-board conference. Ask that utility for its written disconnection procedure.
Cold Weather Rule for two gas utilities
The Nebraska PSC’s cold-weather rule runs November 1 through March 31 for Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy residential gas customers. It adds 30 days before disconnection. Current Black Hills tariff language also protects properly documented LIHEAP-eligible customers from disconnection during that period.
This rule does not automatically cover M.U.D. or other municipally owned gas utilities. If you have an unresolved problem with Black Hills or NorthWestern, use the PSC natural-gas complaint form or call 402-471-3101 or 1-800-526-0017 in Nebraska.
Water and Wastewater Bill Help
LIHEAP is not a general water-bill program. The temporary federal LIHWAP program ended in March 2024, according to the federal LIHWAP fact sheet. Water help now depends mainly on local utilities, payment plans, and community funds.
In Omaha, M.U.D.’s Home Fund can help qualifying customers with utility hardship. In Lincoln, the city lists Lincoln water assistance resources and offers payment arrangements through collections at 402-441-7533. Elsewhere, call your water department before the shutoff date and ask for a payment plan, third-party notification, and local assistance referrals.
If a charity or local fund is needed, our Nebraska charities guide can help you look for backup organizations.
If You Are a Tribal Household
LIHEAP can be administered by states and Tribes. The federal LIHEAP screening tool advises tribal members to contact both the tribal and state/local LIHEAP office when responsibility is unclear. Give your Tribe, address, utility provider, and shutoff status, and ask which grantee serves the household.
How to Apply Without Wasting Time
If you have an active or pending Nebraska Economic Assistance case, DHHS says you may request LIHEAP without a new Economic Assistance application. Otherwise, apply through iServe Nebraska, a DHHS office, or ACCESSNebraska: 402-323-3900 Lincoln, 402-595-1258 Omaha, or 1-800-383-4278 elsewhere.
Gather these items first
- Photo identification if the program or utility requests it.
- Your current utility bill and account number.
- Any shutoff, disconnect, or past-due notice.
- Proof of household income for the period requested.
- Names and household information for people living in the home.
- Proof of the unexpected crisis if you are asking for crisis assistance.
- Medical documentation when you are using a medical or heat-risk rule.
- Repair estimates if DHHS or DWEE asks for them.
Nebraska DHHS lists eight Area Agencies on Aging on its Nebraska aging network page. They may help with local navigation. You can also use our Nebraska aging agency guide.
Phone Scripts You Can Use
ACCESSNebraska crisis call
“I am a Nebraska resident and my household is having trouble paying our home energy bill. I have a shutoff notice or I am at risk of shutoff. Can you screen me for LIHEAP crisis assistance and tell me what proof you need today?”
Utility payment-plan call
“I cannot pay the full balance by the due date. Please tell me the exact disconnect date, the minimum amount needed to stop disconnection, and every payment arrangement or assistance fund available on my account.”
Medical-hazard call
“Someone in my household has a health condition that could become dangerous if utility service is disconnected. Does Nebraska’s medical certificate protection apply to this account? Please tell me the form, deadline, and where the healthcare provider should send it.”
211 backup-help call
“I am an older adult in Nebraska with a utility bill I cannot fully pay. I have already contacted my utility and LIHEAP. Can you search my ZIP code for emergency utility funds, Community Action, Salvation Army, churches, or senior programs that are accepting applications?”
Reality Checks
LIHEAP may not pay the whole bill
Regular heating and cooling assistance reduces eligible home-energy costs, but the household remains responsible for charges that the payment does not cover. Ask the utility for a payment plan at the same time.
Weatherization can have a waitlist
Meeting the income rule does not guarantee immediate work. Weatherization is not an entitlement, and local providers can have limited funds and scheduling capacity.
Local utility programs can fill up
Charitable funds depend on donations and annual budgets. OPPD’s CAP pilot has an enrollment cap, and M.U.D. says Home Fund money is limited and deposited monthly. Apply early when you meet the rules, but keep a backup plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until service is off. Call when a disconnect notice arrives.
- Assuming winter protection covers everyone. The PSC rule is only for Black Hills and NorthWestern gas customers.
- Ignoring the utility. Keep the provider updated while LIHEAP is pending.
- Assuming age 60 gets cooling aid. Nebraska’s age-only cooling category starts at 70.
- Using old income limits. Current limits began October 1, 2026.
- Assuming medical protection cancels debt. It can delay shutoff, not erase the balance.
Denied, Delayed, or Overwhelmed
If LIHEAP is denied, ask for the reason in writing, review or appeal information, and any missing-document deadline.
If a utility fund is empty, ask when it replenishes and whether another partner agency is accepting applications. Use 211 or your Area Agency on Aging for a second route.
For an unresolved Black Hills or NorthWestern gas shutoff issue, contact the gas company and then the Nebraska PSC. For electric, municipal gas, or local water disputes, ask the utility for its customer-complaint process.
Local and Official Resources
- ACCESSNebraska: 1-800-383-4278 statewide; 402-323-3900 Lincoln; 402-595-1258 Omaha.
- DWEE weatherization: 402-471-2186.
- Nebraska PSC: 402-471-3101 or 1-800-526-0017 for regulated natural-gas issues.
- Nebraska 211: Dial 211 for current local utility assistance.
Resumen en español
LIHEAP puede ayudar a hogares de bajos ingresos en Nebraska con calefacción, enfriamiento y crisis de energía. Para el período del 1 de octubre de 2026 al 30 de septiembre de 2027, el límite principal es 150% del nivel federal de pobreza. Si tiene un aviso de desconexión, llame a ACCESSNebraska al 1-800-383-4278.
Si perder el servicio puede causar un peligro médico inmediato y serio, pregunte por la protección médica y un plan de pagos. La regla de invierno del PSC se aplica a clientes de gas de Black Hills Energy y NorthWestern Energy del 1 de noviembre al 31 de marzo, no a todos los servicios. También puede llamar al 211 y preguntar por ayuda local.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nebraska LIHEAP income limit for one person?
For October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, Nebraska DHHS lists a maximum annual gross income of $23,940 for a one-person household under its 150% federal poverty level rule.
Can a Nebraska senior get cooling assistance just because of age?
Age alone can qualify under Nebraska’s cooling category when a household member is age 70 or older and the household otherwise qualifies for LIHEAP. A younger senior may qualify through another cooling category, such as a verified severe condition aggravated by extreme heat.
Can LIHEAP help after I get a shutoff notice?
Yes. Nebraska offers year-round LIHEAP crisis assistance for qualifying households in an energy crisis. It can include deposits and reconnect fees, but the household must meet LIHEAP and crisis rules.
Does Nebraska have a winter shutoff ban?
Nebraska does not have one simple winter shutoff ban covering every utility. The PSC Cold Weather Rule gives extra November 1 through March 31 protection to Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy residential natural-gas customers. Other utilities can have different rules.
Can a medical condition stop a Nebraska utility shutoff?
For utilities covered by Nebraska Revised Statute 70-1605, a qualifying medical certificate can postpone disconnection for at least 30 days when it is filed on time and certifies an immediate and serious health hazard. It does not cancel the bill.
Is there a current federal program for Nebraska water bills?
The temporary federal LIHWAP water-assistance program ended in March 2024. Nebraska households should ask their local water utility about payment arrangements and local assistance funds and use 211 to search for community help.
About This Guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
Editorial note
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Corrections
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we will respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the official program before acting.
Last updated: October 18, 2026 · Next review: January 16, 2027
About the Authors