Virginia Utility Assistance Program

The Virginia Utility Assistance Program includes Hardship Programs administered by Dollar Energy Fund and assists eligible utility customers with their Appalachian Power Company, Old Dominion Power, Columbia Gas of Virginia and Virginia American Water Company bills. Our program is a fund of last resort because it goes above and beyond what is available through federal, state and other programs. Dollar Energy Fund’s Virginia Utility Assistance Program provides grants to qualified utility customers on a first come, first serve basis while funding is available and eligibility requirements vary based on the utility company. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

General Program Information

Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (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. Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme hardships.

All applicants must provide verification of income. 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 account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.

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.

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

Requirements for Appalachian Power Company Customers

Requirements for Old Dominion Power Company Customers

The WinterShare Program is open from October 2, 2023, through September 30, 2024, for services that are off or in threat of termination.  Applicants, including Senior Citizens age 62 and over, must have made a sincere effort of payment of at least $100 on their Old Dominion Power Company account in the three months prior to applying for a grant. Applicants must have an outstanding balance of at least $100. The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $250.

Requirements for Columbia Gas Customers

The HeatShare Program is open from October 2, 2023, through September 30, 2024, for services that are off or in threat of termination. Exceptions apply for Columbia Gas customers who are Senior Citizens. Applicants must have made a sincere effort of payment of at least $50 on their Columbia Gas account in the three months prior to applying for a grant.  Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, must have paid $25.  Applicants must have an outstanding balance of at least $100. Senior Citizens may have a $50 balance as long as there is no existing credit on the account. The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $500.

Requirements for Virginia American Water Company Customers

The H2O-Help to Others Program is open from October 2, 2023, through September 30, 2024, for services that are off or in threat of termination. Applicants, including Senior Citizens age 62 and over, must have made a sincere effort of payment of at least $50 in the last three months. Applicants must have an outstanding balance of at least $50. The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $500.

Income Guidelines

Total gross household income for Appalachian Power Company, Old Dominion Power Company and Virginia American Water Company customers must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

Total gross household income for Columbia Gas of Virginia customers must be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

Use our Income Calculator, or the charts above, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.