Grant Applications Now Being Accepted for 2016-2017 Program Year

Dollar Energy Fund opened its 2016-2017 utility assistance program year today and is currently accepting applications from households of most of its utility partners who are in need of help with their gas, water and electric bills.

Dollar Energy Fund provides one-time grants to eligible, limited-income households facing an immediate utility crisis. With help from the program, families in need can receive up to $500 in grant funding that’s applied directly to their utility account to prevent a termination or restore their service. Households may be eligible for one grant for each of their utilities per program year.

“Many individuals, senior citizens and families throughout Pennsylvania seek assistance from Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program because they have nowhere else to turn,” said Chad Quinn, Dollar Energy Fund’s Chief Executive Officer. “The vast majority of the people we help are either retired or disabled, or they are employed, but still not able to make ends meet with their limited income. Our grants can provide relief to those who may not qualify for state and federal assistance programs, but are still struggling to afford basic gas, water and electric services.”

Those seeking help should first contact their utility company for eligibility screening and to be referred to a community based agency for assistance with Dollar Energy Fund’s application process. This approach also puts at-risk families in touch with additional services—such as food, childcare and career assistance—that may be available to limited-income households.

Grant funding applications are currently being accepted for customers of the following utilities:

Arkansas:

• Entergy
• SWEPCO

California:

• California Water Service Company

Connecticut:

• South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority

Kentucky:

• Kentucky American Water

Louisiana:

• SWEPCO

Maryland:

• Columbia Gas of Maryland

Pennsylvania:

• Citizens Electric
• Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
• Duquesne Light
• Met-Ed – A FirstEnergy Company
• Penelec – A FirstEnergy Company
• Penn Power – A FirstEnergy Company
• Pennsylvania American Water
• Peoples Natural Gas
• Peoples TWP
• Valley Energy
• Wellsboro Electric
• West Penn Power – A FirstEnergy Company

Texas:

• SWEPCO

Virginia:

• Columbia Gas of Virginia
• Old Dominion Power Company
• Virginia American Water

West Virginia:

• Dominion Hope
• Mon Power – A FirstEnergy Company
• Mountaineer Gas
• Peoples
• Potomac Edison – A FirstEnergy Company
• West Virginia American Water

On December 1, assistance programs will open for customers of AEP Ohio and Appalachian Power in West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee.

Dollar Energy Fund’s nationwide network of Community Based Organizations is now taking applications from limited-income customers. Applications for most programs will continue to be accepted through September 30, 2017, or until funds are depleted.

Eligibility guidelines vary by utility. Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions can be found at www.dollarenergy.org/need-help.

As a national leader in utility assistance, Dollar Energy Fund has provided grants to more than 484,000 families since 1983. Last year, the organization helped more than 37,000 limited-income households across 12 states meet their basic utility needs through the distribution of more than $9.1 million in hardship grants.

Dollar Energy Fund is funded by public contributions that are matched dollar for dollar by partnering utility companies. Utility customers are also able to contribute a dollar or more to Dollar Energy Fund through their monthly utility bill. Direct donations can be made online at www.dollarenergy.org/donate or by sending a check to Box 42329, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Every donation to Dollar Energy Fund is tax deductible and all funds collected are used to assist limited-income families residing in the state where the donation originated.

“All support we receive has twice the impact in helping the most vulnerable residents in our communities because every donation to our program is automatically matched,” Quinn said. “Additionally, because we receive a separate donation for our utility partners to cover our administrative costs, we are able to distribute 100 percent of all donations and matching funds as grants to limited-income utility customers.”

For more information about Dollar Energy Fund and how to apply for a grant or donate to the organization, visit www.dollarenergy.org.

About Dollar Energy Fund, Inc.

Dollar Energy fund was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the largest hardship fund in Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the United States. Dollar Energy Fund is a 501 (c) 3 organization in the state of Pennsylvania. Since 1983, the organization has provided $134 million in utility assistance grants to more than 484,000 limited-income families and individuals. The organization also assists limited-income households in West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, California and Connecticut. Individuals interested in contributing to Dollar Energy Fund can do so through their utility bills, by sending donations directly to Box 42329, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 or through the organization’s website. Additional information can be found on Dollar Energy Fund’s website, www.dollarenergy.org.