Prince William County Connects Residents with Resources to Lower Home Energy Costs

Prince William County residents looking for help with home energy costs have access to programs that can provide assistance with heating expenses and make homes more energy efficient.  

The Prince William County Department of Social Services, or DSS, is accepting applications for qualified residents who need help with their heating bills through the Virginia Energy Assistance Program. The program helps eligible low-income households pay a portion of their home heating costs, including electricity, natural gas, oil, kerosene, coal and wood.  

Applications must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 13. 

Households must meet Virginia’s program requirements, including having a heating expense and gross monthly household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.  

“Income limits vary by household size,” said DSS Human Services Manager Jennifer Norris. “Residents who are unsure whether they qualify are encouraged to apply so DSS can determine eligibility.”  

Once applications are submitted, DSS reviews the household information and required documentation to determine eligibility.  

“Approved assistance payments are generally made directly to the heating provider on the household’s behalf,” Norris said. “Benefits are determined and vendor authorizations are issued in December. The aid is supplemental and is not intended to cover the household’s entire heating costs for the season.”

Applicants can apply:

• Online at: CommonHelp.
• By phone at: 1-855-635-4370, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
• By paper application: Pick up and submit completed applications at 7987 Ashton Ave., Suite 200, in Manassas, or 15941 Donald Curtis Dr., Suite 180, in Woodbridge.

For local questions or help applying, residents can contact DSS at 703-792-7500.

Residents may also qualify for no-cost home improvements designed to reduce energy use and improve the comfort, health and safety of their homes. 

Prince William County’s Office of Sustainability works with nonprofit Community Housing Partners, or CHP, Energy Solutions to connect residents with weatherization and energy-efficiency programs. CHP is the local weatherization provider serving Prince William County and provides no-cost energy audits and weatherization assistance to qualifying residents. 

“Helping residents make their homes more energy efficient can have a lasting impact on both their monthly energy costs and their quality of life,” said Giulia Manno, Director of the Prince William County Office of Sustainability. “Through our work with Community Housing Partners, we’re helping connect eligible residents with improvements that can make their homes safer, more comfortable and more affordable to heat and cool.” 

Weatherization begins with an assessment of a home’s energy use and needs. Depending on the home and program, improvements may include insulation, air sealing, energy-efficient lighting, and heating and cooling system repairs or upgrades. 

As of 2025, nearly 300 Prince William County households have received assistance through CHP to lower energy costs and improve home comfort and efficiency. 

Both homeowners and renters may qualify for CHP programs based on factors such as household income, age and the specific program. Residents can call CHP Energy Solutions at 888-229-3714 or visit the CHP Energy Solutions website to learn more and see if they qualify.