Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is sponsored by South Carolina Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (in coordination with Community Action Agencies). The Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), a component of LIHEAP in South Carolina, intervenes in energy-related crisis situations. It provides a one-time payment directly to the energy utility on behalf of eligible households experiencing a heating or cooling crisis.

## What does this funding get me? This one-time payment helps eligible households pay their utility bills when they are experiencing a heating or cooling-related crisis. This money does not go directly to individual folks but instead goes to their energy provider.

Individual homeowners and renters are eligible. If you are a renter and your energy bill is included in your rent, you must have access to an itemized monthly bill.

Households are expected to have at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen meet the eligibility requirements: * income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level (monthly income per number of individuals in household found here) * an energy related crisis * a utility statement showing how much is owed to alleviate the crisis * an SSN for the application A household is considered to be in a crisis if it is currently experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life threatening or health related emergency and the health or well being of a household member would be in danger if the heating or cooling crisis was not alleviated.

## How can I access the money? The North Carolina application can be accessed here. En Espanól aplicar aqui.

You can apply by mail, email, fax, or drop-off at your local Department of Social Services (DSS). Having trouble finding the application? Please email us at info@energyfundsforall.

org with the subject line “CIP– (Your County)” and we can help! If you are unsure about your eligibility or would like to speak with an agent about CIP, contact your local social services office directly. Find your county’s DSS office here.

Need help applying? Find a clean energy navigator in your area, who will help you for free. In South Carolina, the program is administered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity in coordination with Community Action Agencies.

For general information, contact the Governor’s Office of Economic opportunity at (803) 734-0662 734-0662). For services in your county, please contact your local Community Action Agency. See map here to find all Community Action Agencies within South Carolina.

The **Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)** is a part of LIHEAP in South Carolina. The ECIP program may intervene in an energy-related crisis situation. The maximum award amount individuals may receive for ECIP services is $1000, which is sent directly to the energy utility in the form of a voucher.

Community Action Agencies have ten business days to process applications but expedite application processing for those in immediate disconnect status. If the applicant provides the necessary documents to prove eligibility at the time of their appointment, payment may be committed to the utility the same day.

Necessary documents differ by county but may include: valid state issued ID, record of pay history, recent billing statements, account number, and social security number. This money is _available now_ until funds are exhausted. You can apply from _July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027,_ or until funds are exhausted.

You can access this money one time per program year. ## What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals? * Energy Saver NC includes two rebate programs operated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality: Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) and Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES).

These rebates, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, may open later in South Carolina. * The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay their heating bills. The application will be open from January 1, 2027 to March 31, 2027.

Applicants who are seniors can apply starting December 1, 2026. Click here to learn more about how to apply. * If you are approved for LIHEAP or the Crisis Intervention Program, you automatically qualify for Duke Energy’s Customer Assistance Program.

CAP provides a flat monthly credit of up to $42 on your bill for 12 months, making your energy costs more manageable. Once your LIHEAP or CIP application is approved, the credit will be automatically applied to your Duke Energy bill.

* If you are a Duke Energy customer in NC, the Tariffed On-Bill program can help homeowners and renters install energy efficiency improvements, pay over time on their electric bill, and save money immediately. * Check out our (non-exhaustive) list of non-federal funding from other sources that may fit your energy and cost-saving goals.

* Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu. edu.

## Where can I get more information? * For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Meech Carter at info@energyfundsforall. org.