Utility Assistance Programs

Utility Assistance Programs is sponsored by Various Utility Companies (e.g., AEP Ohio, Columbia Gas, Duquesne Light, Peoples, West Penn Power via Dollar Energy Fund). Many utility providers offer customer assistance programs such as deferred payments, discounts, or grants for families in need, including single parents, to help with energy costs.

These programs can prevent utility shut-offs and provide grants for heating and cooling bills.

Get help with your utility bill Since 1983, Dollar Energy Fund has worked to help limited-income households maintain or restore basic gas, water, wastewater and electric service. Our holistic approach also connects those in need with resources beyond utility assistance, which helps to lead our clients onto a path of self-sufficiency.

Hardship Program Eligibility Tool There are a variety of programs available to assist those who are having difficulty affording safe utility service. Depending on your utility company, where you live, how many people are in your household and the combined household income, you may be eligible to receive assistance.

Select your state by clicking the map on the right or by selecting from the menu below and click "Submit" Step 1: Contact your utility company Start by contacting your utility company. They will help you determine your eligibility for an assistance grant and refer you to either a community-based agency or our online MyApp portal to start your application.

Grants are issued on a first come, first served basis while funding is available, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you are facing a utility crisis. Step 2: Submit your application Work with one of our community-based agency partners to complete your application or fill out our application form online (available for select utility customers).

You will be asked to provide a copy of your utility bill and proof of income for all members of your household. You may also need to show proof that you made an effort to pay your bill in the last 90 days. Our grant program specialists will review your application and documentation to verify your award status.

After submission, applications are usually processed within two business days. If eligible, Dollar Energy Fund will work with your utility company to apply an assistance grant directly to your account in the exact amount needed to prevent a termination or restore your service. Grant funding may take four to six weeks to post to your account.

Remember to continue making your utility payments. A Dollar Energy Fund grant is not a substitute for your regular monthly payment. If a grant was not approved, you will receive written notification by mail or email the day after your application is processed.

Helpful Tools to Get Started “Thank you very much for helping me get my gas turned back on. I am a single mother of four and, because of Dollar Energy Fund, we can have heat this winter. ” Frequently Asked Questions Customers of the following utility companies may be able to complete portions of their application online through our MyApp portal .

Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change. California American Water Nebraska Public Power District Omaha Public Power District Pennsylvania American Water How can I check the status of my application or verify that my documents have been received? You can view the status of your application at any time through our MyStatus portal .

You will need to enter your utility account number. What types of documentation are acceptable for proof of income? Proof of income may be required for you to receive assistance or be enrolled in a program.

Use this list as a guide to determine which documents are considered acceptable proof of income. Hardship Program Eligibility Tool Use our eligibility tool to see if you may be qualified for assistance from our program. The eligibility quiz is not an application for assistance.

This tool should only be used to help you determine whether you may be eligible for a grant from Dollar Energy Fund. Information and documentation provided during the application process will be verified by Dollar Energy Fund staff. Grants are awarded to eligible utility customers on a first come, first served basis while funding is available.