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Benefit Programs / Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP)
The Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) helps eligible Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power (APCo/AEP) households keep electricity affordable. PIPP lowers monthly bills, helps pay off past balances and can even reduce energy use through free home energy audits.
You may qualify if:
Option 1: Apply online through CommonHelp
Option 2: Submit a paper application to your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS)
To remain enrolled, you must:
Missing payments, making partial payments, or failing to re-verify may cause removal.
Below are the maximum income limits based on how many individuals reside in the household.
|
Household Size |
Maximum Monthly Gross Income |
Household Size |
Maximum Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,995 | 11 | $9,095 |
| 2 | $2,705 | 12 | $9,805 |
| 3 | $3,415 | 13 | $10,515 |
| 4 | $4,125 | 14 | $11,225 |
| 5 | $4,835 | 15 | $11,935 |
| 6 | $5,545 | 16 | $12,645 |
| 7 | $6,255 | 17 | $13,355 |
| 8 | $6,965 | 18 | $14,065 |
| 9 | $7,675 | 19 | $14,775 |
| 10 | $8,385 | 20 | $15,485 |
The Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) can help you pay less for your electricity each month. If you participate in PIPP, you make a monthly payment (known as your PIPP Amount) based on your household income and main heating source. When you pay your PIPP Amount in full and on time, PIPP then provides credits to help with the rest of your monthly electric bill.
PIPP is for customers of Dominion Energy or Appalachian Power Company who meet the program’s income limit and other eligibility rules. The income limit is based on your household size.
For PIPP, your household includes everyone who lives in the same home and shares the same electric service.
It may take up to 30 days for your local department of social services to decide if you qualify. After your application is reviewed, you will be told if more information is needed.
If you are asked for information, send it as soon as possible to help prevent delays.
Contact your local department of social services. Staff can check your application and tell you if they need more information from you.
Your monthly PIPP payment (known as your PIPP Amount) is based on your household’s gross monthly income and your main heating source.
Your approval notice will tell you your monthly PIPP Amount.
You will receive a notice that tells you:
You will also receive information from your electricity provider (Dominion Energy or Appalachian Power Company).
Your electricity provider will send you a notice telling you when you need to pay your first PIPP Amount. It is important to pay your full PIPP Amount by the due date each month.
When you pay your full PIPP Amount on time, you receive credits on your electric account.
These credits help to:
Making your payment in full and on time each month helps you continue receiving these credits.
If you do not pay your PIPP Amount in full and on time, you will not receive PIPP credits for that month. The amount you did not pay will be added to what you owe.
If you do not pay your PIPP Amount for two months in a row, your electric service may be disconnected. You will then be responsible for any unpaid old and new balances on your electric account.
Your PIPP case will be closed if your electric account is closed.
Yes. You must renew your PIPP every 12 months. This allows your local department of social services to make sure you still qualify for PIPP.
Changes must be reported within five days. There are two ways to report changes:
You have the right to appeal the decision.
Your notice will explain:
You can also find information about appeals on the Virginia Department of Social Services’ How to Appeal webpage.
For help with PIPP:
If you’re not sure whether you should apply for PIPP, you should talk with your electricity provider about your electric account and PIPP.
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