Where to Get Help Paying Your Utility Bills in Shreveport, Louisiana

Utility bills for electricity, water, gas and other services can put a strain on your monthly budget. If you’re a Shreveport resident struggling to keep up with these expenses, there are resources in the community to help. Several local organizations provide utility payment assistance programs and other aid for qualified applicants.

Caddo Community Action Agency

Caddo Community Action Agency (CCAA) administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Shreveport. LIHEAP provides money to help pay heating and cooling bills for households below certain income limits.

To apply for LIHEAP aid

• Contact CCAA at 318-861-4808

• Visit their office at 625 David Raines Rd from 8am-4pm Monday-Friday

• Submit an application with income verification documents

• If approved, a payment is sent directly to SWEPCO or your utility provider

• LIHEAP assistance is offered each summer and winter

In addition to LIHEAP, CCAA may offer emergency financial help with utilities through other programs. Call them to learn about eligibility.

Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP)

SWAP helps Shreveport residents who receive public assistance or disability benefits pay their City of Shreveport water bills. It provides two utility credits per year, up to $100 each.

To qualify for SWAP:

• You must have an active account with the City of Shreveport Water & Sewerage Department

• Provide proof you currently get SNAP, TANF, SSI or other eligible public assistance

• Apply in person at one of the SWAP agencies:

• Socialization Services – 3017 W 70th Street, open Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm

• Caddo Community Action – 1729 Ford Street, open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

Credits are applied directly to the water account for those approved. The program runs January-June and July-December each year.

Other Local Bill Help Resources

• Catholic Charities – Provides emergency financial assistance with rent, utilities and other needs. Call 318-865-0200.

• 211 Helpline – Referrals to bill pay help programs. Dial 211 or visit www.211nwla.org.

• Life Inc. – Crisis assistance and case management for qualifying low-income households. Call 318-227-7900.

• Salvation Army – Limited emergency utility aid. Apply in person at 3501 Lake Street.

• St. Vincent de Paul – May help with utility bills on a short-term basis. Call 318-227-7837.

• United Way of Northwest Louisiana – Maintains a list of bil pay assistance programs in the region. Call 211 or visit www.unitedwaynwla.org for info.

Apply for a Discount on Your SWEPCO Bill

SWEPCO, the main electric provider in Shreveport, offers a discount for low-income customers that provides a monthly credit on your bill. To qualify:

• Meet income eligibility guidelines (up to 200% of the poverty level)

• Provide income verification for all household members

• Apply through SWEPCO online, by phone or in person

The discount remains active for one year. You must reapply annually to keep receiving the monthly credit. There are no limits on the number of times you can renew the discount.

Create a Payment Plan for Past-Due Utility Bills

If you have fallen behind on payments, contact your utility providers immediately to set up a payment plan. This allows you to pay the past-due balance in installments over time. Payment arrangements can help avoid disconnection of service.

Be proactive and let providers know if you will have trouble with an upcoming bill. They can often make extensions on deadlines or change due dates. Keeping the lines of communication open is key to managing issues.

Utility bill assistance is available in Shreveport for those who qualify. Reach out to the organizations listed to see if you meet eligibility guidelines and apply for aid to take some pressure off your monthly expenses. Consistently paying bills on time also helps avoid debt.