MidAmerican Energy Co.
10/31/2025 | Press release | Archived content
Signups begin for states’ 2025 heating assistance programs
Low-income households can apply for heating bill help
DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 31, 2025) - Need help with heating bills? As winter approaches, MidAmerican Energy reminds customers that there may be winter heating bill assistance available for those who meet income guidelines.
The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, provides funding to states for energy assistance. States administer their own programs, and qualifying low-income households can apply for winter heating bill assistance through their state agency.
"LIHEAP can make a real difference for families struggling to afford heating during our coldest months," Mike Gehringer, MidAmerican vice president of customer operations, said. "We encourage any customer who might qualify for this assistance to apply for it as soon as they can."
MidAmerican customers who have received a disconnection notice are encouraged to call the company at 888-427-5632 to discuss possible payment options.
State energy assistance programs
Illinois LIHEAP
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Illinois, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 60% of the state median income level for the 30 days prior to the application's filing. For example, a single-person household is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $3,332, and a family of four is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $6,407.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Illinois, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 60% of the state median income level for the 30 days prior to the application's filing. For example, a single-person household is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $3,332, and a family of four is eligible with a 30-day gross income at or below $6,407.
The program began taking applications on October 1 for people 60 and older, disabled people, families with children five years old or under, and households that have been disconnected or have received a disconnection notice. All other income-eligible households can start applying on November 1. The program will accept applications through August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Customers who are eligible for assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
To apply, Illinois residents in Rock Island, Mercer and Henry counties should contact Project NOW, Inc. at projectnow.org or 309-793-6391. Residents can also call the state's LIHEAP hotline at 833-711-0374.
For more information about the Illinois LIHEAP program, go to the state's Utility Bill Assistance website.
Iowa LIHEAP
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2025 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $31,300. A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $64,300.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200% of 2025 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $31,300. A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $64,300.
The program began taking applications October 1 for those 60 or older, disabled, and those who received a disconnect notice or their service has been disconnected. All other applications are accepted from November 1 through April 30, 2026.
Eligible customers who need help with energy bills should apply for LIHEAP at a local community action outreach office.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has additional information about the program. Eligibility requirements information is also available by dialing 211.
Nebraska LIHEAP
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the state's LIHEAP assistance.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the state's LIHEAP assistance.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Nebraska, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For example, a single-person household can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $23,475, and a family of four can qualify with an annual gross income at or below $48,225.
Nebraska customers can apply for assistance now through March 31, 2026, for the 2025-2026 heating season. LIHEAP application forms are available through the iServe Nebraska website, by phone at 800-383-4278 or at DHHS public assistance offices.
South Dakota LIEAP
South Dakota's Department of Social Services distributes Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds on a first-come, first-served basis through May 15, 2026. Eligibility for South Dakota's LIEAP is based on the number of people in the home, household income, heating source type and county. For example, a single-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $7,825 or less, and a four-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $16,075 or less.
South Dakota's Department of Social Services distributes Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds on a first-come, first-served basis through May 15, 2026. Eligibility for South Dakota's LIEAP is based on the number of people in the home, household income, heating source type and county. For example, a single-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $7,825 or less, and a four-person household can qualify with a maximum three-month income of $16,075 or less.
South Dakota LIEAP application forms are available at the South Dakota Department of Social Services website, by phone at 800-233-8503 or at local DSS offices.
Budget Billing provides predictable monthly bill
Customers who want to avoid month-to-month bill fluctuations can opt for MidAmerican's Budget Billing program, which allows customers to pay the same amount each month for a set period. The free program does not lower rates or costs but does offer a more predictable bill.
Customers who want to avoid month-to-month bill fluctuations can opt for MidAmerican's Budget Billing program, which allows customers to pay the same amount each month for a set period. The free program does not lower rates or costs but does offer a more predictable bill.
How you can help low-income customers this winter
To help those in need, customers can donate to MidAmerican's I CARE program. I CARE provides funding to local community action agencies to assist low-income residents with heating bills and home weatherization.
Customer donations fund I CARE, together with a 25% match from MidAmerican. Tax-deductible donations to the I CARE program stay within the local community and go directly to help those in need. MidAmerican customers can donate to the I CARE program by noting the donation amount on their monthly bill or pledging online.
To help those in need, customers can donate to MidAmerican's I CARE program. I CARE provides funding to local community action agencies to assist low-income residents with heating bills and home weatherization.
About MidAmerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 829,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 803,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican is available at MidAmericanEnergy.com and company social media channels.
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 829,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 803,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican is available at MidAmericanEnergy.com and company social media channels.
MidAmerican Energy Co. published this content on October 31, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 04, 2025 at 17:31 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]