Dollar Energy Fund’s new program year began on October 1, 2026. Before we move too far into the year ahead, let’s pause to celebrate everything we accomplished together. None of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, agencies, donors, staff, board members, community leaders, businesses, and many others. The 2025–2026 program year showed that, through commitment and a shared passion for helping neighbors in need, we can make a meaningful difference. Here is our year in review:
October
- Opened the 2025–2026 program year.
- Expanded our service territory to 18 states through a new partnership with Massachusetts Gas & Electric to administer their Energy Aid Program.
- Hosted our second annual Employee Engagement Day.
November
- Received a $20,000 grant from the Citizens Bank Foundation to support the Hardship Program and winter assistance efforts.
- Hosted the 9th annual Winter Warm Up Request-A-Thon with iHeartMedia and 3WS Pittsburgh, raising $190,630 to help approximately 530 households (1,590 neighbors).
- Reached a major milestone of assisting one million households since 1983.
- Launched new partnerships and programs with California American Water and Aqua Pennsylvania.
December–January
- Continued delivering utility assistance during peak winter demand, helping families maintain safe gas, electricity, water, and wastewater services.
- Executed a multi-channel television and digital campaign to raise awareness of Dollar Energy Fund and reach households in need during the peak winter months.
February
- Raised $346,624 during the 18th annual Warmathon on KDKA Radio, providing assistance to 962 Pittsburgh-area households.
- Launched a new discount program with Hope Gas in West Virginia.
March
- Set a fundraising record at the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth in Nebraska, raising $277,000 to support customers of Omaha Public Power and Metropolitan Utilities District.
- Raised $69,464 through the Jerseys for Warmth campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, assisting 193 additional households in Western Pennsylvania.
April
- Partnered with the Pittsburgh Penguins for Fan Appreciation Night at PPG Paints Arena on April 11. With the generosity of our supporters and a generous match from our utility partners, the Fan Appreciation Night Raffle raised $9,010 in utility assistance, helping approximately 25 households across our region.
May
- Earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
June
- Hosted a Day at the Zoo for all employees and their guests.
- Attended the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) 2026 Annual Conference in Seattle.
August
- Participated in the Pittsburgh Foundation’s #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert on August 4, raising $2,122.
- Received $50,000 from the Jack Buncher Foundation for the 2026-27 Pennsylvania Hardship program.
September
- Welcomed 28 foursomes at Quicksilver Golf Club for our 18th annual Golf Classic. This fan-favorite event featured 18 holes of golf, our famous Bloody Mary Bar, a putting contest, online auction, delicious lunch, and more.
- Named a Top Workplace in Pittsburgh by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for the second year in a row.
- Surpassed $400 million in hardship grants distributed across the country since 1983.
- Attended EMACS, Chartwell’s Customer Experience Conference, in Atlanta.
Most importantly, Dollar Energy Fund distributed 76,000 grants, totaling $37 million across the country since October 1, 2025. With your support, we can continue providing immediate, direct assistance throughout the 2026 –2027 program year. Every contribution, regardless of size, can make an extraordinary difference by helping local families with limited incomes maintain or restore safe utility service and move toward self-sufficiency.
On behalf of the individuals, seniors, and families we serve, thank you for your continued support!
