Utah Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) Program

Quick Facts

• What it does: HEAT offsets energy bills for low-income households, provides crisis funds when service is threatened, and teaches conservation strategies tailored to Utah’s climate.
• Who administers it: The Utah Department of Workforce Services, State Community Services Office (SCSO), working with local agencies including community action partnerships, housing authorities, and tribal governments.
• Benefit range: Most households receive $400–$700 per season. High-burden families with seniors, disabled members, or young children may receive up to $1,000, plus crisis payments when needed.
• Climate considerations: Utah’s cold winters and hot summers require both heating and cooling support. HEAT coordinates with Rocky Mountain Power, Dominion Energy, and rural cooperatives to stabilize accounts.
• Application window: Standard intake runs November–April. Households experiencing emergencies can apply year-round.

Program Overview

The HEAT program is Utah’s version of LIHEAP. It provides annual assistance to reduce household energy contributions and crisis intervention to prevent disconnections or fuel depletion. Funding arrives from federal LIHEAP dollars with supplemental state resources. Utah also operates specialized programs—like Weatherization Assistance and the Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP)—that stack with HEAT benefits.

Local HEAT agencies accept applications online, over the phone, or in person. Applicants complete pre-screening questionnaires, upload documents, and schedule interviews. Payments go directly to utilities or fuel vendors. For natural gas and electricity, HEAT posts lump-sum credits that utilities then apply over several months. For propane or wood, agencies issue vouchers redeemable with approved vendors.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, households must meet income guidelines: 60% of state median income or 150% of the federal poverty level, whichever is higher. For 2025, a four-person household can earn approximately $60,000 annually. Agencies review income from the past 30 days or use annualized calculations for seasonal workers.

Other requirements include:

• Utah residency and responsibility for utility costs.
• Social Security numbers or acceptable immigration documentation for all household members.
• Current utility bill, deliverable fuel receipt, or landlord statement verifying that the household pays energy costs.
• Photo ID for the primary applicant.
• For crisis assistance, documentation of shutoff notices, past-due balances, or fuel levels below 25%.

Priority scheduling is offered to households with seniors aged 60+, disabled individuals, or children under six. Tribal members can apply through tribal LIHEAP programs or local agencies depending on residence.

Benefit Calculation

HEAT uses a Benefit Matrix that considers:

• Household income as a percentage of poverty.
• Energy burden (annual energy cost divided by income).
• Type of heating fuel and dwelling characteristics.
• Presence of vulnerable individuals.

Points translate into benefit levels. Example tiers:

• Tier A: $1,000 (very low income, high burden, multiple vulnerable members).
• Tier B: $700.
• Tier C: $500.
• Tier D: $300.
• Tier E: $100 minimum benefit.

Crisis assistance covers the actual amount required to avert disconnection or restore service, up to $1,500. This may include reconnection fees, deposits, or delivered fuel. Agencies also coordinate furnace repair or replacement when necessary for safety.

Application Process

1. Pre-screen online: Visit jobs.utah.gov to take the eligibility quiz.
2. Create an account in the HEAT portal or call your local agency to schedule an appointment.
3. Collect documents: Proof of income, Social Security cards, photo IDs, utility bills, landlord verification, and for crisis cases, shutoff notices or medical documentation.
4. Complete the application: Provide details about household members, housing type, energy usage, and heating fuel.
5. Interview: Conducted by phone or in person. Caseworkers verify information, assess crisis needs, and explain rights.
6. Sign release forms so agencies can communicate with utilities and vendors.
7. Receive decision notice within 30 days for standard cases or 48 hours for crises. Payments post directly to accounts.
8. Follow up with utilities to confirm credits and adjust payment plans.

Maximizing HEAT Benefits

• Apply early each November to avoid delays. Appointments fill quickly during cold snaps.
• Enroll in budget billing with Rocky Mountain Power’s Equal Pay or Dominion Energy’s Budget Plan. HEAT payments reduce overall balances and keep monthly costs predictable.
• Combine with utility discounts like the Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP) or Dominion Energy’s ThermWise weatherization incentives.
• Request energy education sessions. Participants receive kits with LED bulbs, low-flow fixtures, and insulating materials.
• Document medical needs. Provide physician letters if someone relies on electricity for medical devices; this increases priority and may qualify you for utility medical hold programs.
• Coordinate with Weatherization Assistance. Agencies can install insulation, seal air leaks, and upgrade furnaces or heat pumps, lowering future costs.
• Track consumption using utility apps. Rocky Mountain Power’s usage charts and Dominion Energy’s therm tracking help identify spikes.

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

• Missing documents: Use the HEAT checklist. If you cannot locate Social Security cards, request verification from the SSA before your appointment.
• Utility accounts not in applicant’s name: Ask the utility to add you as an authorized user or provide a notarized statement from the account holder.
• Late crisis requests: Contact HEAT immediately when you receive a shutoff notice. Agencies need time to verify and issue payments.
• Moving during the season: Notify the agency before relocating. Benefits can transfer to the new account if you remain in Utah.
• Income fluctuations: Report changes promptly. If income drops, you may qualify for supplemental benefits or crisis aid.

Crisis Intervention

When facing disconnection or running out of fuel:

• Call the HEAT crisis line or 211.
• Provide your case number, shutoff notice, and available funds for co-pays if required.
• Ask the utility for a temporary hold while HEAT processes payment.
• Explore community resources like the Salvation Army’s utility assistance, Lend-A-Hand programs, or church relief funds for immediate needs.

Appeals and Rights

If denied or awarded a smaller benefit than expected, request a hearing within 15 days of the notice. Appeals are reviewed by the Department of Workforce Services. You may bring advocates, present documents, and receive interpretation services. HEAT must provide equal access regardless of language or disability.

Example Scenarios

• Retired couple in Ogden: Receives $650 credit applied to both electric and gas bills, enrolls in HELP discount, and participates in weatherization, reducing overall consumption by 18%.
• Single parent in St. George: Uses crisis HEAT to stop summer electric disconnection during a 105°F heat wave and installs smart thermostats provided by the utility.
• College student household in Logan: Splits rent with roommates. HEAT accepts joint lease and utility statements, enabling a $400 benefit that stabilizes winter heating costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HEAT help with water bills? No, but staff can refer you to Utah’s water assistance programs administered through the same agency.

Can I receive assistance if my landlord pays utilities? Only if utilities are separately metered and you are billed directly. Otherwise, you may need landlord documentation showing your share of costs.

How many times can I get crisis aid? Typically twice per season, depending on funding. Always ask your caseworker about current policies.

Will HEAT affect other benefits? No. HEAT is not counted as income for SNAP, Medicaid, or housing programs.

What if I heat with wood or pellets? HEAT can provide vouchers for vendors or reimburse documented purchases. Keep receipts and delivery tickets.

Additional Resources

• HEAT Program portal: https://jobs.utah.gov/housing/scso/seal/heat.html
• Rocky Mountain Power Equal Pay and HELP discount programs.
• Dominion Energy ThermWise rebates and Budget Plan.
• Utah Weatherization Assistance Program.
• 211 Utah for emergency referrals.

Consistent communication with HEAT agencies, proactive budgeting, and leveraging complementary programs ensure Utah households maintain safe, affordable energy service throughout the year.