Starting September, Burlington Water Resources, in collaboration with Burlington Electric Department (BED), will roll out updates to the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), offering additional financial relief to eligible customers. The new initiative, funded by the Water Resources Division, aims to ease the burden of utility costs for low-income households in Burlington. The enhanced benefits will complement the existing EAP bill discounts.

The EAP, administered by BED, has long provided discounted electric rates to income-eligible customers and families, helping them manage energy costs. The program currently offers a percentage-based discount on electric bills based on household income and size. EAP participants will now receive an additional layer of support tailored to their billing relationship with Water Resources, automatically enrolled into one of two assistance types: Direct Assistance or Indirect Assistance.

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Direct Assistance for Water Bill Recipients

EAP customers who receive a water bill directly from Burlington Water Resources will be enrolled in the Bill Discount Program. This program waives all water and sewer meter base fees and provides a 50% reduction on stormwater fees included in the monthly water bill. These discounts aim to significantly lower water-related expenses for households, making essential services more affordable without requiring any additional actions from program participants.

Indirect Assistance for Non-Water Bill Customers

For EAP customers who do not receive a direct water bill—such as many renters whose water costs are included in their rent—an alternative benefit is available. These participants will receive a monthly credit of $16.15 applied to their BED electric bill. 

No action is required for EAP customers to receive these additional benefits. Burlington Water Resources will notify eligible participants in early September 2025 about their assigned assistance type—Direct or Indirect—via regular mail.

The application process for Burlington’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to be straightforward and accessible. To qualify, households must meet specific income thresholds based on size, typically aligned with federal poverty guidelines or state assistance programs like LIHEAP. 

Interested residents can apply through BED by submitting an application form, available online or at BED’s offices, along with proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or documentation of public assistance. BED also partners with community organizations to assist applicants, particularly those with language barriers or limited digital access.