Grant Applications Now Being Accepted for 2018-2019 Program Year

Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program, a utility assistance program available to eligible, limited-income households in need of help with their gas, water and electric bills, will begin accepting applications for its 2018-2019 Program Year on Monday, October 1, 2018.

Dollar Energy Fund provides one-time grants to 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.

“The demand for utility assistance has remained constant throughout the 35 years our organization has been serving as a resource for those facing difficult financial decisions centered on utility payments, but our grants offer relief to those who may not qualify for state and federal assistance programs and allows many of our neighbors in need to maintain or restore basic and safe service,” said Chad Quinn, Dollar Energy Fund’s Chief Executive Officer.

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 connects households with additional services that may also be available to limited-income households, such as food, childcare and career assistance.

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

Arkansas:

• 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
• Clairton Municipal Authority
• Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
• Duquesne Light Company
• Met-Ed, a FirstEnergy Company
• Penelec, a FirstEnergy Company
• Penn Power, a FirstEnergy Company
• Pennsylvania American Water
• Peoples Natural Gas
• Peoples Gas Company, LLC (formerly Peoples TWP)
• Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
• Valley Energy
• Wellsboro Electric
• West Penn Power, a FirstEnergy Company

Texas:

• SWEPCO

Virginia:

• Columbia Gas of Virginia
• Old Dominion Power Company
• Virginia American Water Company, Inc.

West Virginia:

• Dominion Energy West Virginia
• Mon Power, a FirstEnergy Company
• Mountaineer Gas
• Peoples Gas
• Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy Company
• West Virginia American Water

On December 3, 2018, assistance programs will open for customers of AEP Ohio, Appalachian Power Company in West Virginia and Virginia, and Kingsport Power Company in 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, 2019, 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.

The organization, which is celebrating its 35th year of offering utility assistance, is a national leader in utility assistance. Since 1983, Dollar Energy Fund’s hardship grants have helped more than 537,000 families maintain or restore safe utility services.

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, by sending a check to Box 42329, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, or by texting GIVE5 to 50555 to authorize a $5 contribution. Message and data rates may apply. Every donation to Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program is tax deductible and we direct 100 percent of all funds back into the community and provide assistance to the most vulnerable individuals, families and senior citizens.

For more information about Dollar Energy Fund and how to apply for a grant from the Hardship Program, or to make a donation 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 $148 million in utility assistance grants to more than 537,000 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.