Utility Assistance Resource Guide for Montanans

Assistance offered by Montana Utilities

Most of the utility, electric, and gas companies that operate in Montana administer financial assistance or weatherization programs. They can help people save money, or provide financial support for paying bills. Some of the programs can complement the federal government Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, so customers can gain access to additional financial support.

Below are links to more information on the options you have, as well as who to contact for help.

• Beartooth Electric Cooperative
• Big Flat Electric Cooperative
• Big Horn County Electric Cooperative
• Energy West Montana
• Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative: See options under My Energy Savings>>
• Fergus Electric Cooperative
• Flathead Electric Cooperative
• Glacier Electric Cooperative
• Hill County Electric Cooperative
• Lincoln Electric Cooperative
• Lower Yellowstone Rea: See options under Our Services>>
• Marias River Electric Cooperative
• McCone Electric Cooperative
• Montana-Dakota Utilities
• Mid-Yellowstone Electric Cooperative
• Missoula Electric Cooperative
• NorthWestern Energy
• Norval Electric Cooperative: See options under Member Services>>
• Northern Lights
• Park Electric Cooperative
• Ravalli County Electric Department
• Sheridan Electric Cooperative
• Southeast Electric Cooperative
• Sun River Electric Cooperative: See options under Programs >>
• Tongue River Electric Cooperative
• Upper Missouri Power Cooperative
• Vigilante Electric Cooperative
• Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative

Energy Share of Montana

Energy Share is a private nonprofit organization with the goal of helping Montanans faced with energy emergencies meet their needs. Often, families face a financial emergency when unexpected expenses occur, for example, medical expenses. The primary way Energy Share helps people is through one–time heating bill assistance. To find out more about Energy Share, call 1-888-779-7589 or log onto www.energysharemt.com.

Energy Star

You could save up to 30% on annual utility costs with the purchase of Energy Star products and appliances.  To learn more about this money saving strategy, check out www.energystar.gov.

Federal and State Tax Credits

• Federal Energy Incentives for Individuals
• State of Montana Energy Tax Credits
• Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit Program

Montana Homeowner Assistance Fund

The American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress and signed by the president contains $9.961 billion nationwide for a Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). That funding will help Montana homeowners, and homeowners across the country, remain in their homes.

• Learn more Montana Homeowner Assistance Fund

Assistance for Homeowners on Propane

Propane is not regulated in the State of Montana as a public utility because it is assumed that homeowners have a choice of where they can receive their propane. Make sure you're getting the best rate by comparing prices from suppliers in your area. Use this "Where to Buy" tool from the Rocky Mountain Propane Association to compare prices: Where to Buy Propane in your area >>

• Incentive and Rebate Programs for Propane Users

Other Utility Assistance:

• Lifeline and Link-Up Telephone Assistance. The Lifeline telephone discount program provides eligible telephone subscribers certain discounts on the basic monthly telephone service charge. The Link-Up program provides eligible consumers a discount on the hook-up fee. Eligible subscribers living on or near tribal lands may qualify for additional discounts. Contact your phone company or internet provider for details on applying. Once qualified, the Lifeline program requires that eligibility be recertified annually. More Information: Visit www.lifelinesupport.org

• The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. Visit www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit