Energy Assistance
By Erin Trivelas ‐ April 3, 2026
MSC helps households in South King County meet the financial challenges of increasing energy bills and may be able to provide portable AC units. We serve households with residential accounts only and are unable to serve commercial accounts. In addition, some households may qualify for assistance with their water bills because of a partnership with Lakehaven Water District.
Eligibility
Level of assistance depends on type of housing, income, household size, and home energy usage. To receive energy assistance, you must meet either the LIHEAP, SHEAP and/or PSE Help income guidelines below AND reside within our geographic service area.
To be eligible for a portable AC unit, you must meet the Federal (LIHEAP) income eligibility guidelines below AND reside within our geographic service area.
Income Guidelines effective October 1, 2025, for 2025-26 program year:
*Gross earned income less a 20% deduction. Income includes VA income except combat-related special compensation.
| Household Size | LIHEAP Average Monthly Income | SHEAP Average Monthly Income | PSE HELP Average Monthly Income* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,956 | $7,071 | $7,071 |
| 2 | $2,644 | $8,080 | $8,079 |
| 3 | $3,331 | $9,088 | $9,088 |
| 4 | $4,019 | $10,096 | $10,096 |
| 5 | $4,706 | $10,905 | $10,904 |
| 6 | $5,394 | $11,713 | $11,713 |
| 7 | $6,081 | $12,521 | $12,521 |
| 8 | $6,769 | $13,330 | $13,329 |
| 9 | $7,456 | $14,150 | $14,138 |
| 10 | $8,144 | $14,950 | $14,946 |
Geographic Areas We Serve
| 98001 | 98002 | 98003 | 98010 |
| 98013 | 98022 | 98023 | 98025 |
| 98030 | 98031 | 98032 | 98038 |
| 98042 | 98047 | 98050 | 98051 |
| 98054 | 98055 | 98056 | 98057 |
| 98058 | 98059 | 98063 | 98064 |
| 98070 | 98092 | 98146 | 98148 |
| 98158 | 98166 | 98168 | 98178 |
| 98188 | 98198 | 98354 (within King County) |
How to get help
All energy and cooling assistance is provided in one appointment for energy assistance. You do not need to make multiple appointments. Schedule your appointment by using the contact information above.
If you are applying for PSE HELP only, you may apply directly on PSE’s website at PSE.com.
Looking for assistance with your Lakehaven Utility District water bill? Please click here for more information on eligibility and availability.
What to expect
- Our energy assistance program can help with bills for electricity, gas, propane, wood, and oil.
- Assistance is provided on a first come, first served basis, depending on funding availability.
- Payments are made directly to service providers on behalf of households.
- Only one AC unit will be provided per household, and additional AC units will not be available to the same household in the future.
- AC units will be delivered directly to homes from a third-party vendor.
FAQ
What do I bring to my appointment?
You will need to bring the following items with you to your appointment:
- Social security card or legal document with name and social security number for everyone in your household
- Picture ID with birth date and name of all household members who are 18 years and older at the time of the appointment
- Verification of total household income for the three months prior to the month of appointment for everyone in your household
- Adults age 18 and older with no income in any one of the three required months must sign additional forms to confirm no income
- Current month’s energy bill
- Disconnection notice with current address (if applicable)
- Rent/lease agreement or proof of residence
Depending on circumstances, more information may be required.
What if my AC unit breaks?
MSC is coordinating the purchase of the portable AC unit only. MSC is not responsible or liable for any delivery issues, installation, damages, injuries, or defects related to the AC unit. If any of these or other issues arise related to the AC unit, they will solely be the customer’s responsibility to resolve and MSC will not provide additional assistance.
What if I am home-bound?
If you are physically unable to come into the office for an appointment, we may be able to mail you an application form if:
There are no other able-bodied adults living in your household AND one of the following applies:
- You are homebound due to disability and can provide a letter from your doctor (applies to everyone in the household 18 years or older).
- You are 65 years of age or older and on a fixed income.
Call the 24-hour appointment line at 253-517-2263 and follow the prompts. You will be directed to another phone number to call.
Related Programs
Emergency Assistance
Additional utility assistance may be available but is very limited. Please click here for more information.
Lakehaven Assistance
The Lakehaven assistance program is for Lakehaven Water & Sewer District customers only. To apply you must have a current and valid shut-off notice from Lakehaven. The maximum benefit amount is $100 one time per calendar year.