Metropolitan Utilities District’s Energy Assistance Program

The MUD Energy Assistance Program, a Hardship Program administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers with their Metropolitan Utilities District bills. Customers may be eligible to receive a grant that is applied directly to their utility bill. Our program is a fund of last resort because it goes above and beyond what is available through federal, state and other programs. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

Program Dates

Open from October 2, 2023, through September 30, 2024, to eligible applicants regardless of service status.

Grants are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.

Proof of Emergency Situation

Individuals eligible for assistance are those who are experiencing an acute financial crisis due to a verifiable emergency and who have exhausted alternative resources. Emergency situations generally include:

• Non-regular expenses
• Medical expenses
• Medical situation that requires continuous utility service and verified by doctor
• Job loss
• Departure of primary wage earner
• Extenuating circumstances that will endanger a vulnerable adult or child

Balance Requirement

Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their MUD bill of at least $100.

Maximum Grant

The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $500.

Applicants can receive more than one grant per program year until reaching the maximum grant amount. (10/2/2023 – 9/30/2024)

Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.

If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.

Additional Guidelines

All applicants must provide verification of income. Verification of income can be proof of enrollment in another low-income program.

Income-eligible clients must apply for all federally- funded programs when those programs are open.

Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only,” commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.

Name on application must match the name (or one of the names) listed on the utility bill and must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.

Grants can be used to cover security deposits.

Income Guidelines

Total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.