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Bill Assistance 

Energy Bill Assistance Help is Available

In these challenging economic times more families are concerned with meeting basic needs. Among these needs is the energy we all use every day. Here you will find a number of programs and services to assist you with your energy bill.

Payment Plans and Options

  • Payment Arrangements
    We understand that some customers are finding themselves in difficult situations due to recent economic impacts. If you are having difficulty paying your bill perhaps you qualify for a special payment arrangement that may assist you at this time.
  • Comfort Level Billing
    Comfort Level Billing can help smooth out the seasonal highs and lows of your energy bill by dividing your yearly usage into 12 equal monthly payments. It is a program that many customers find helpful in knowing how much their bill is going to be every month.
  • Preferred Due Date
    Avista may be able to change your payment due date. Please call us at 1-800-227-9187 to find out more about this option. 

Limited Income Assistance Programs

  • Low Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP) and Federal Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    LIRAP, a rate assistance program for limited-income customers collects approximately $3.75 million per year through electric and natural gas tariff surcharges which are then distributed by Community Action Agencies in a manner similar to the Federal Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The purpose of these programs is to reduce the energy cost burden among customers who are least able to pay energy bills. Contact a     Community Action Agencies in your area for eligibility and guidelines.
  • Project Share
    Gracious contributtions to Project Share from our customers, Avista and Avista employees are also sent to the Community Action Agencies to provide one-time bill payment assistance for those in need.

Avista CARES

  • Avista CARES Representatives assist customers with special needs -- the elderly, the disabled and customers who find themselves in difficulty due to health, employment, family or other problems. We can provide assistance in understanding energy bills, payment arrangements and advice on budgeting, and make referrals to community agencies that can also help. To speak to an Avista CARES representative, we ask that you call 1-888-700-2757.

Senior Programs

  • Senior Energy Outreach
    As part of the LIRAP Program in Washington state, Avista has created a Senior Energy Outreach Program designed to customers age 60 and older with energy assistance grants. This program, administered by the Avista CARES representatives in partnership with participating LIRAP agencies, provides a maximum grant of $300 to eligible seniors through a simplified certification process. To speak to an Avista CARES representative, we ask that you call 1-888-700-2757.
  • Senior Energy Conservation Workshop
    Energy conservation workshops for seniors are held in our Washington and Idaho service territories at senior nutrition meal sites, senior centers and non-profit organizations. Each attendee receives an “Every Little Bit” energy conservation Kit with CFL lightbulbs, home weatherizing supplies and energy savings ideas they can use in their home. The workshops focus on energy savings and how to stay comfortable and safe with home energy use. For more information, please contact Christine McCabe.

Online Energy Saving Tools

  • Home Energy Audit
    Our Home Energy Audit can perform a free home energy analysis and help you get the most out of your energy dollars. The analysis will show how your home compares to others of similar size for energy use, offer you tips on how to improve your home energy efficiency, outline the top ways you can save energy — customized to your home — and more. If you haven't already, you will need to create a My Account . Already registered? Simply sign in. Once you’re in, you can take the Home Energy Audit and also make use of these other great tools and resources:
  • Analyze Your Bill
    Our Bill Analyzer is designed to identify the major causes of changes in energy usage. The analysis will show how your bill was impacted by items such as Weather, Billing Days, Average Cost, Use per Day, etc. - and how your selected bill compares with a previous bill.
  • Improve Your Home
    Our Energy Use Calculator will tell you just how much energy your appliances use. You may end up surprised at the amount the old refrigerator in the garage consumes.
  • Build Your Knowledge
    Our Energy Smart Library, an online source for information about energy topics and technologies, is just the place to learn more about the energy used in your home. The library lets you search through information or find answers to commonly asked questions.

Other Resources

  • Tax Credits
    In addition, Avista wants our customers to know about the tax credits available for families who qualify. For more information, see Earned Income Tax Credit and Taxpayer Advocate Service.
  • Translation Services
    Avista offers a complimentary language line with quick access to an interpreter 24 hours a day. It works by way of a three-person conference call between our non-English speaking customer, our customer service representative and an interpreter. We can accommodate dozens of languages including Cambodian, Laotian, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. To access the translation service, call 1-800-227-9187.

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