AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program

The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program lends a hand to those who are experiencing financial hardships and need help to get back on their feet.  Administered by Dollar Energy Fund, the program provides eligible customers with a utility assistance grant applied directly to their AEP Ohio bill.  This grant helps limited-income customers maintain or restore their basic electric service. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

Program Dates

Heating Program

Open from October 15, 2023, through March 29, 2024, for services that are off or in threat of termination.

Cooling Program

Open from July 1, 2024, through September 27, 2024, for services that are off or in threat of termination.

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

Balance Requirement

Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their AEP Ohio bill of at least $50. Applicants must be behind on bill payment 30 days or more.

Sincere Effort of Payment

Applicants must have paid at least $75 on their AEP Ohio account in the 3 months prior to applying for a grant.

Pledges made on an applicant’s behalf and other grants cannot be counted toward the sincere effort of payment.

Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme hardships.

Maximum Grant

The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $350.

Applicants can only receive one grant per program year (10/15/2023 – 9/27/2024)

Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-by-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 to be considered for assistance.

Additional Guidelines

All applicants must provide verification of income.

Income-eligible clients must apply for Heating HEAP, Cooling HEAP, Winter CRISIS, Summer CRISIS and PIPP 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 account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.

Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.

Income Guidelines

Total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Income guidelines are subject to change. 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.