Don’t be a victim of identity theft or scams. Dollar Energy Fund will never ask you to make a payment over the phone, or ask for your credit card information, your bank account number, or a bank routing number in order to receive assistance from our programs. If you experience a call where this information is requested, hang up immediately. You can contact Dollar Energy Fund directly through our customer contact center hotline at 1-888-282-6816.
California American Water’s Hardship Program provides one-time assistance grants to customers that are applied directly to their utility bill. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
Open from November 3, 2025, through September 30, 2026, 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 utility bill of at least $100.
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $750.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
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
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.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income must be at or below 250% 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.
Household Size
250% Monthly
250% Yearly
1
$3,325
$39,900
2
$4,508
$54,100
3
$5,692
$68,300
4
$6,875
$82,500
5
$8,058
$96,700
6
$9,242
$110,900
7
$10,425
$125,100
8
$11,608
$139,300
Each add’l add
$1,183
$14,200
The Aqua Aid Program provides one-time assistance grants to Aqua PA customers that are applied directly to their utility bill. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
Open from November 3, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are off or in threat of termination.
Customers who are experiencing a leak may be eligible for assistance regardless of service status. To qualify for leak repair assistance, you must be enrolled in CAP. If you are already enrolled in CAP, you can apply for the Leak Repair Program by calling the Aqua Assistance team at 412-208-6818 to begin the enrollment process. You may also qualify for a grant to assist with a high balance as a result of the leak.
Grants are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $500.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
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
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.
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.
Household Size
200% Monthly
200% Yearly
1
$2,660
$31,920
2
$3,607
$43,280
3
$4,553
$54,640
4
$5,500
$66,000
5
$6,447
$77,360
6
$7,393
$88,720
7
$8,340
$100,080
8
$9,287
$111,440
Each add’l add
$947
$11,360
Pennsylvania Gas & Electric Energy Aid is a bill payment assistance program using donated funds to support Pennsylvania utility customers in crisis. Customers may be eligible to receive funds that are applied directly to their utility bill. This program is designed to provide assistance 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 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are past due, under threat of disconnection, or already disconnected. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Partnering utility companies:
Columbia Gas
National Fuel Gas
PECO
Peoples Natural Gas
UGI Utilities
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:
Job loss
Inability to work due to illness or injury Medical expenses
Utility service termination or threat of termination. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Other extenuating circumstances that will endanger a vulnerable adult or child
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $350.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
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
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 400% 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.
Household Size
400% Monthly
400% Yearly
1
$5,320
$63,840
2
$7,213
$86,560
3
$9,107
$109,280
4
$11,000
$132,000
5
$12,893
$154,720
6
$14,787
$177,440
7
$16,680
$200,160
8
$18,573
$222,880
Each add’l add
$1,893
$22,720
Massachusetts Gas & Electric Energy Aid is a bill payment assistance program that uses donated funds to help Massachusetts utility customers in critical situations. Customers may qualify to receive funds, which are applied directly to their bill. This program aims to provide assistance beyond the options available through federal and state programs, among others. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
Open from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are past due, under threat of disconnection, or already disconnected. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Partnering utility companies:
Eversource Energy
National Grid
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:
Job loss
Inability to work due to illness or injury Medical expenses
Utility service termination or threat of termination. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Other extenuating circumstances that will endanger a vulnerable adult or child
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $350.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
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
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 400% 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.
Household Size
400% Monthly
400% Yearly
1
$5,320
$63,840
2
$7,213
$86,560
3
$9,107
$109,280
4
$11,000
$132,000
5
$12,893
$154,720
6
$14,787
$177,440
7
$16,680
$200,160
8
$18,573
$222,880
Each add’l add
$1,893
$22,720
Illinois Gas & Electric Energy Aid is a bill payment assistance program using donated funds to support Illinois customers in crisis. Customers may be eligible to receive funds that are applied directly to their utility bill. This program is designed to provide assistance 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 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are past due, under threat of disconnection, or already disconnected. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Partnering utility companies:
Nicor Gas
North Shore Gas
Peoples Gas Light & Coke
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:
Job loss
Inability to work due to illness or injury Medical expenses
Utility service termination or threat of termination. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Other extenuating circumstances that will endanger a vulnerable adult or child
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $350.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
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
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 400% 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.
Household Size
400% Monthly
400% Yearly
1
$5,320
$63,840
2
$7,213
$86,560
3
$9,107
$109,280
4
$11,000
$132,000
5
$12,893
$154,720
6
$14,787
$177,440
7
$16,680
$200,160
8
$18,573
$222,880
Each add’l add
$1,893
$22,720
Homefield Energy Aid is a bill payment assistance program using donated funds to support Ameren customers in Illinois who are in crisis. Customers may be eligible to receive funds that are applied directly to their utility bill. This program is designed to provide assistance 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 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are past due, under threat of disconnection, or already disconnected. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Partnering utility companies:
Ameren
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:
Job loss
Inability to work due to illness or injury Medical expenses
Utility service termination or threat of termination. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Other extenuating circumstances that will endanger a vulnerable adult or child
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $350.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
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
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 400% 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.
Household Size
400% Monthly
400% Yearly
1
$5,320
$63,840
2
$7,213
$86,560
3
$9,107
$109,280
4
$11,000
$132,000
5
$12,893
$154,720
6
$14,787
$177,440
7
$16,680
$200,160
8
$18,573
$222,880
Each add’l add
$1,893
$22,720
The Aqua Illinois Customer Assistance Program (CAP) is a discount program designed to provide monthly financial assistance for residential water and/or wastewater customers. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant must be a residential water and/or wastewater customer of Aqua Illinois.
Once enrolled, customers will be required to recertify their household member and income information on an annual basis to remain enrolled in the program.
Total gross household income must be at or below 150% 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. Household income should be calculated using the before tax amount for all household members, excluding minors.
Household Size
150% Monthly
150% Yearly
1
$1,995
$23,940
2
$2,705
$32,460
3
$3,415
$40,980
4
$4,125
$49,500
5
$4,835
$58,020
6
$5,545
$66,540
7
$6,255
$75,060
8
$6,965
$83,580
Each add’l add
$710
$8,520
Program Benefit
Eligible applicants receive a 70% discount on their monthly volumetric charge (all usage).
Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s (PG&E) Match My Payment Program, administered by Dollar Energy Fund, offers income-eligible PG&E customers a dollar-for-dollar match on a past-due utility bill – up to $1,000. Matching payments are applied directly to the customer’s PG&E account. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Beginning on June 9, 2025, the program is open to eligible PG&E customers.
PG&E will match eligible customer payments between $50 and $1,000, with a maximum match of $1,000. Customers may receive multiple matches, as long as the total does not exceed $1,000.
Match My Payment matching payments are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants through December 31, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
Balance Requirement
Applicants must have a past-due balance on their PG&E bill of at least $100.
Additional Eligibility Guidelines
Customers who are enrolled in the Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) are not eligible for the PG&E Match My Payment Program.
Only eligible customer payments made after enrollment in the PG&E Match My Payment Program are eligible to receive matching funds from PG&E.
Customers who receive a PG&E REACH program grant and who are not currently enrolled in the PG&E Match My Payment program will be directly enrolled.
All applicants must provide verification of income.
Account must be residential, single home, or apartment. No “cooking only,” commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
Accounts that are in Section 8 or Government Subsidized housing may be eligible.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Income-eligible clients must apply for all federally-funded programs when those programs are open.
Matching payments cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Matching payments cannot be used to pay on closed accounts or transferred balances.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income must be at or below 400% 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.
Household Size
400% Monthly
400% Yearly
1-2
$7,050
$84,600
3
$8,883
$106,600
4
$10,717
$128,600
5
$12,550
$150,600
6
$14,383
$172,600
7
$16,217
$194,600
8
$18,050
$216,600
Each add’l add
$1,833
$22,000
Nebraska Public Power District’s Pennies for Power program, administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers with their Nebraska Public Power District electric bills. Customers may be eligible to receive funds that are applied directly to their utility bill. This program is designed to provide assistance above and beyond what is available through federal, state and other programs. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
The calendar year of the program runs from October 1st through September 30th. This program is currently open for customers with services that are off or in threat of termination only.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Sincere Effort of Payment
Applicants must have paid at least $100 on their accounts in the past six months.
Balance Requirement
Applicants must be shut off due to non-payment, or have a termination notice on their account, with a past due balance of at least $100.
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $225.
Applicants can only receive a grant once every 12 months.
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 is insufficient to restore service or stop termination, the customer must seek additional assistance or cover the remaining balance themselves. The amount needed to restore serviceor stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that, in addition to the grant amount, an additional payment is required to restore service or stop termination
Additional Guidelines
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.
Grants can be used to cover security deposits and reconnection fees.
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.
Household Size
200% Monthly
200% Yearly
1
$2,660
$31,920
2
$3,607
$43,280
3
$4,553
$54,640
4
$5,500
$66,000
5
$6,447
$77,360
6
$7,393
$88,720
7
$8,340
$100,080
8
$9,287
$111,440
Each add’l add
$947
$11,360
The Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority Hardship Program, which is administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers by providing 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 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, 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.
Sincere Effort of Payment
Applicants must have paid at least $50 on their account in the past three months.
Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme hardships.
Balance Requirement
Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their utility bill of at least $100.
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $250.
Applicants can only receive one grant every 12 months.
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
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only,” commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
All applicants must provide verification of income.
Income-eligible clients must apply for all federally-funded programs when those programs are open.
Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income for customers of all other utility companies must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
