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Utility Assistance

Helping low-income households with energy bill payments.

Helpful Tips Before Applying

We offer two intake methods for applications:

If online submissions are disabled, please print and mail in your application or wait until online submissions reopen. 
In-person application pick up or drop off is no longer available. We apologize for the inconveniece. 
Online

Apply at the link below to submit your electronic application.

APply online
Mail-In

Please mail your completed application to:

PO Box 2085
Merced, CA 95344

Services + Eligibility

Print & Mail Your Application or Apply Online When Applications are Open

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay their energy bill or heating fuel provider to help offset the cost of heating or cooling their home.
Through LIHEAP, we are able to assist eligible households with payments or purchases of electricity, propane, natural gas, heating oil, or firewood. In addition to the credit on their utility bill, clients will also receive valuable information about energy conservation and practical tips on how to save energy and keep your utility bill at a manageable level.
General Information:
  • Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required
  • Households can apply once every 12 months
  • Utility bill is not required to be in the applicant's name
  • One-time Standard Benefit Amount is determined by Household Size and Income, based on State provided guidelines
Services available through LIHEAP:
  • Assistance with propane and firewood
  • Energy budget counseling
  • Weatherization Services
  • CARE Enrollment
  • Energy saving brochures
  • Medical baseline applications
  • Information on community food resources

Do not depend on LIHEAP or ECIP assistance to pay your utility bill or get you through the summer. Plan ahead for the real possibility that funds may not be available.

Complete LIHEAP Eligibility + Income Guidelines

Energy Crisis Intervention Program

The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides assistance for households who have received a 24-48 disconnect or service termination notice.

Do not depend on LIHEAP or ECIP assistance to pay your utility bill or get you through the summer. Plan ahead for the real possibility that funds may not be available.

Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help

Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) applies payments directly to past-due PG&E bills of eligible households.
General Information:
  • Legal Citizenship Status is NOT required
  • Households can apply once every 12 months
  • PG&E holder must reside in the home
  • Benefit amount is determined by the arrears of account, with a maximum grant of up to $2,000

All California PG&E clients are welcome to apply!

Complete REACH Eligibility + Guidelines
Eligibility for Utility Assistance is based upon the household’s income and family size. 
  • These services are provided on a once-per-year basis for eligible households
  • Households of elderly and disabled persons, and children aged 5 and younger may receive priority
Priority Points:

“The State of California requires us to establish a Priority Plan due to the overwhelming demand for services and limited resources available. The State has directed us to target households with vulnerable members such as: senior citizens, disabled individuals, and children five and under. Not all Household with vulnerable population members will qualify. The household’s gross income and current electrical and gas charges are also a factor in determining the household’s eligibility. The Priority Plan provides a method for doing so. If your household composition, income, or current energy charges change, please feel free to reapply.”  

How to Apply

Due to the overwhelming demand of the LIHEAP program and limited personnel,  application response times may vary and can be up to two weeks. All applications are processed in the order received, and communication will be provided to the email address on application received.

We offer two intake methods for applications:

If online submissions are disabled, please print and mail in your application or wait until online submissions reopen. 
In-person application pick up or drop off is no longer available. We apologize for the inconveniece. 
Online

Apply at the link below to submit your electronic application.

APply online
Mail-In

Please mail your completed application to:

PO Box 2085
Merced, CA 95344

Applications for

Utility Assistance

Choose the application(s) you wish to download. Please mail completed applications to the PO Box listed above.

Download LIHEAP Application:

Download Application (English)
If you're unable to print an application, please visit one of our Utility Assistance locations to pick one up:
MCCAA Main Office
1235 W Main Street
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 723-3201
MCCAA Weatherization
109 Air Park Road
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 723-3201
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*Please note: Our Utility Assistance programs are NOT emergency response programs. We schedule on a first come, first serve basis for anyone who is prequalified at the time of screening.

If you qualify for Utility Assistance, you may also qualify for Weatherization Assistance
View Weatherization Services
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© 2026 Merced County Community Action Agency

GET IN TOUCH

1235 West Main Street
Merced, CA 95340
Main: (209) 723-4565
WIC: (209) 383-4859
ECM: (209) 381-5260
D St. Shelter: (209) 725-8188
Early Learning: (209) 722-7129
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