DDOE's Utility Discount Programs help low-income District residents reduce their utility costs. To qualify, your utility bills must be in your own name, and you must meet income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

If you're eligible, you could receive discounts of:

• Up to $240 per year on your electric bills ($102 per year if you don't have electric heat).
• Up to $189 per year on your gas bills.
• Up to $276 per year on your water and sewer bills.
• Up to 50 percent off the cost of installing a single phone line.
• Local phone service for $3 per month ($1 per month for seniors over the age of 64).

New Applicants:

1. Call 311 to schedule an appointment.

2. Make sure to bring all required documentation with you.
     a. Recent copies of your utility bills.
     b. A recent payroll stub or other proof that shows your current gross income for the last 30 days and is valid within the last 90 days.
     c. Documentation showing income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc.
     d. Proof of total members living in your household (ex., government issued ID, birth certificates, school records, etc.).
     e. Social Security cards or government issued document with SSN number (such as a paycheck stub, TANF or SS award letter) for the applicant. (If applying by appointment, you should bring SSN documentation for all household members in order to also apply for LIHEAP)
     f. Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
     g. Government issued photo identification.

3. Complete a short program that will show you how to save energy in your home.

4. You can also apply for LIHEAP during your appointment.

Recertifiers: Current UDP participants, reestablishing eligibility. This is required each year.

1. You will receive a letter and application mailed to you by August 31.

2. Fill out the recertification application completely and return by October 1, 2011.

3. Include copies of:
     a. Recent copies of your utility bills.
     b. A recent payroll stub or other proof that shows your current gross income for the last 30 days and is valid within the last 90 days.
     c. Documentation showing income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc.
     d. Proof of total members living in your household (ex., government issued ID, birth certificates, school records, etc.).
     e. Social Security cards or government issued document with SSN number (such as a paycheck stub, TANF or SS award letter) for the applicant. (If applying by appointment, you should bring SSN documentation for all household members in order to also apply for LIHEAP)
     f. Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
     g. Government issued photo identification.

4. Use the postage paid envelope to mail the entire package to:
    DDOE Energy Affordability Division
    1207 Taylor Street, NW
    Washington, DC 20011

5. Or print and mail the Recertification application provided below.

• Utility Discount Programs (UDP) Application*
• Income Guidelines for UDP 10/01/09 - 09/30/10