The Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) is a federally funded program that helps vulnerable populations stay safe and healthy through initiatives that assist households, and individuals, with their energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. The Division of State Service Centers (DSSC) administers this program on a contractual basis with local agencies. Funding for these programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). DEAP services assist income eligible citizens financially by reducing their costs of energy related expenses. Income eligibility is defined as 60% of Delaware State Median Income (SMI), after Federal and local taxes have been deducted. LIHEAP is a supplemental payment program and is not designed to cover all the heating cost. DEAP has several programs of assistance which include:

• Winter Heating Fuel Assistance: Helps with home energy bills between October 1 and March 31. Eligible households can receive a benefit to offset their seasonal heating cost. Eligible heating sources include electricity, natural gas, oil, kerosene, propane, coal, and wood. Benefits are available to both homeowners and renters.
• Crisis Assistance: Is available year-round and can be received in addition to the seasonal fuel assistance benefits. Households must show they are experiencing a crisis, such as having received a shut-off or disconnect notice, a fuel tank reading at or below 10%, or are presently experiencing past due utility bills.
• Summer Cooling Assistance Program: Is a flat supplemental benefit for summer cooling electric assistance. It is available to households who have previously applied for LIHEAP assistance, within the program year, aimed at offsetting the cost of electricity to cool their home during the summer months. This program also offers a single-room in-window air conditioner to households who can demonstrate a need.
• Weatherization Assistance Program: The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, DNREC, offers a free Weatherization Assistance Program to help establish comfortable, energy-saving homes. This program is run through the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, helps homeowners and renters cut their energy bills by weatherproofing and improving the energy efficiency of their homes. If you have any questions, please call us at 302-735-3480 and ask for Weatherization program.

Information to websites where you can apply for assistance for Winter Heating Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance, Summer Cooling Assistance Program and Weatherization Assistance Program.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, DNREC, offers a free Weatherization Assistance Program to help establish comfortable, energy-saving homes. This program is run through the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, helps homeowners and renters cut their energy bills by weatherproofing and improving the energy efficiency of their homes. If you have any questions, please call us at 302-735-3480 and ask for Weatherization program.

Summer Cooling Assistance Program

Information on where you can apply for assistance for Summer Cooling Assistance Program.

For additional information, you may also, contact:

Division of State Service Centers
Herman Holloway Campus
Charles Debnam Building - Office of Community Services
Attn: LIHEAP
1901 North DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: (302) 255-9875
Fax (302) 255-4463