We know some of our customers faced financial hardships due to COVID-19. We’re thankful we were able to show our support during this time.
If you’re struggling to pay your bill, we've provided resources below. You can also call our customer support team at 888-890-5554 or contact us online to discuss our support options that may be available for you.
Resources
Iowa rent and utility assistance program
Program eligibility pre-check and application
General eligibility requirements require that applicants: Be current renters earning no more than 80% of their county’s area median income; have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability which may include a past due utility or rent notice or eviction notice.
Assistance to be available through the program includes:
- Rent assistance for past due and future payments.
- Utility Payments owed at time of application (no future payments)
Eligible past due rent and utility payments may cover costs incurred no earlier than March 13, 2020. Future rent payments may be awarded for up to three months at a time and will require a subsequent application. Renters may receive a total of up to 12 months of combined rent and utility assistance through the program.
Funds for renters approved for assistance will be paid directly to landlords and utility service providers. The program is expected to be available through at least Sept. 30, 2021 or until funds are exhausted. Read Governor Reynold's press release here.
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is helping small businesses pay their utility bills. The COVID-19 Utility Bill Assistance for Small Businesses program provides short-term relief to small businesses that are unable to pay their utility bills because of financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial assistance can only be applied to the business’ utility bills. Eligible applicants will receive a credit which will be applied to the following month’s bills.
Visit www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/covid-19 to see if your business is eligible.
To be connected with partner Black Hills Cares agencies in your community, see the list below.
| Organization | City | Website | Street adress | phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Opportunities Inc. | Carroll | http://www.communityopportunitiesinc.org | 23751 Hwy 30 E. | 712-792-9266 |
| Hawkeye Area Community Action Program | Hiawatha | https://www.hacap.org/ | 1515 Hawkeye Dr. | 712-792-9266 |
| Matura Action Corp. | Creston | http://www.maturacommunityaction.maturaact.org/ | 203 W. Adams | 641-782-8431 |
| Mid-Iowa Community Action | Marshalltown | http://www.micaonline.org | 637 S Oak | 641-752-7162 |
| North Iowa Community Action Organization | Mason City | http://www.nicao-online.org | 218 5th St. SW Suite 101 | 641-423-8993 |
| Northeast Iowa Community Action Corp. | Decorah | http://www.neicac.org/ | 305 Montgomery St. | 563-382-8436 |
| Operation Threshold | Waterloo | http://www.operationthreshold.org/ | 1535 Lafayett Street | 319-291-2065 |
| IMPACT Community Action Program | Des Moines | http://www.impactcap.org | 3226 University Ave. | 515-274-1334 |
| Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. | Estherville | http://www.udmo.com | 508 S. 1st Street | 712-859-3885 |
| West Central Community Action Agency | Sidney | http://www.westcentralca.com/ | 608 Clay St. | 712-755-5135 |
| Interfaith Response, Inc. | Council Bluffs | interfaithresponseinc.org | 25 S. 15th st. | 712-322-0531 |
211 is a nationwide service that connects millions of people to help each year. They provide a local source of social services available to help with utility bill payment assistance, housing options, food and nutrition programs, support groups, and much more.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that keeps families safe and healthy by helping with energy costs. Learn how and where to apply for energy assistance here.
Black Hills Cares helps eligible customers in need pay their Black Hills Energy bills or emergency energy-related expenses. The program uses voluntary donations from our customers and employees.
We understand that a variety of circumstances can lead to a late payment, and we’re here to help you get back on track by offering payment arrangements.
Budget Billing is a free, stable payment plan. It gives you more predictable bills by averaging the amount you pay each month.
This program is available to residential customers whose utility service is medically essential, as certified by a licensed physician, to avoid death or serious medical complications requiring immediate hospitalization.