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Utility and home heating fuel companies that offer their services at below normal rates for people who meet age, disability, income, need or other requirements.

Programs that make arrangements to issue utility bills in larger, easier-to-read type for people who have visual impairments and are unable to read ordinary bills.

Programs that help people negotiate manageable utility bill payment plans in situations where there are some resources available for this purpose.

Utility companies that offer a variety of utility bill payment plan options that facilitate the ability of customers to bring delinquent accounts up to date and/or make their regular payments on time.

Programs that make arrangements to notify a designated friend, relative or other third party when a disconnection notice is issued in hopes that a reminder or assistance from the other person can help the individual avoid the disconnection.

Programs, generally funded through utility rates, that prohibit utility disconnections during severe weather for households with vulnerable members including people who are ill or elderly or have disabilities or other hardships. In some jurisdictions, low income individuals and families may qualify. Regulations vary from state to state , but generally specify high and/or low temperatures that trigger a disconnection ban (though some jurisdictions in the U.S. require a special order by the Public Utility Commission) and explicit eligibility criteria. In some areas, the regulations apply year-round to people with serious illnesses.

Programs that pay all or a portion of the utility bills of people whose utilities have been or are at risk of being shut off. Also included are non-emergency programs like those funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also referred to as LIEAP or HEAP in some states, that provide home energy assistance, generally in the form of a credit, for low-income households that apply. The assistance is usually available once per calendar year (or heating season). Utility bill payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.