Need Help?

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.

Need Help Hero (1)

Like many of those who receive a grant from our program, you may be experiencing a temporary financial hardship, such as a job loss, medical emergency, or other circumstance beyond your control.

A grant from Dollar Energy Fund can help keep you from enduring further financial hardship or having to choose between paying your monthly utility bills and purchasing food, medicine or other necessities.

How It Works

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.

 

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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.

 

Agency Finder

Step 3: Receive a grant

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.

Service Territory

Find Help in Your Region

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.
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Select your state by clicking the map on the right or by selecting from the menu below and click "Submit"
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  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Nebraska
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Washington
  • Hawaii
  • New Mexico
Carla
Grant Recipient

“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.

  • AEP Ohio
  • Aqua
  • Columbia Gas
  • Illinois American Water
  • Lehigh County Authority
  • Met-Ed
  • National Fuel Gas
  • Omaha Public Power District
  • Pacific Gas and Electric
  • Penelec
  • Pennsylvania American Water
  • Peoples
  • Penn Power
  • West Penn Power

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.