8 programs for help paying gas, propane and heating bills in St. Clair County, Alabama, including 2 local options. Phone numbers, who qualifies and what to bring. Call first: funding opens and closes.
Local in St. Clair County (2)
The Salvation Army Birmingham Area Command (Social Services)
Salvation Army Birmingham
Local · Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby Counties, AL
Emergency rent, mortgage and utility help plus Project SHARE power-bill help; social services Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:00pm.
Low-income households in crisis in the service area; ID, proof of address/income and the past-due bill or lease usually required; aid depends on available funds.
Counties from Salvation Army ALM division location directory (salvationarmyusa.org/usa-southern-territory/alabama-louisiana-and-mississippi/location-directory/). Birmingham 614 Corps at same address: (205) 252-6616.
Alabama Public Service Commission - utility complaints & disconnect rules
Local · 67 Alabama counties
Takes complaints about PSC-regulated utilities (Alabama Power, Spire); PSC General Rule 12(E) requires termination rules giving special consideration when life/health is threatened or for age/handicap.
Customers of investor-owned utilities (not co-ops, municipal or most water boards).
Good to know
Rule 12(E) summary from LIHEAP Clearinghouse vulnerable-population disconnect page (liheapch.ncat.org/node/2812). PSC phone not verified here - see website.
Statewide programs that serve St. Clair County (6)
LIHEAP energy assistance
Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama
Statewide, AL
Federal energy help paid straight to the power or gas company. Every Alabama county is served by a Community Action Agency that takes the applications.
Free, 24/7 referral line. Finds the smaller church and community funds near their address that open up week to week. Also 1-888-421-1266, or text a ZIP code to 898-211.