Duquesne Light Company Pennsylvania Hardship Program

Dollar Energy Fund’s Pennsylvania Hardship Program provides assistance grants to Duquesne Light Company customers that are applied directly to their utility bill. Funding is available on a first come, first serve basis and eligibility requirements vary based on the utility company. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

Program Dates

• Open from October 2, 2023, through November 30, 2023, for services that are off or in threat of termination.
• Open from December 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024, for services that are off only.
• Open from February 1, 2024, though February 28, 2024, for services that are off or in threat of termination.
• Starting March 1, 2024, the program is open to all eligible applicants regardless of service status.

If applicants are eligible and programs are open, applicants must apply for LIHEAP and CRISIS before applying for the Dollar Energy Fund Hardship Program.

Sincere Effort of Payment

Applicants must have paid at least $50 on their accounts in the past three months. CAP customers must have paid at least one CAP payment on their accounts in the past three months.

Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme hardships.

Balance Requirement

Hardship Fund balance requirements will not be imposed during 2023.

Maximum Grant

Applicants can receive two grants per calendar year for 2022 and 2023.

Applicants with an electric furnace or heat pump may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 per grant (maximum $2,000 in 2022 and 2023). Applicants with non-electric heating may be eligible to receive up to $500 per grant (maximum $1,000 in 2022 and 2023).

Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis

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 300% 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.

Application Attachments

• Verification of income or proof of LIHEAP or Crisis application, when those programs are open, must be attached to all applications.
• A copy of the most recent utility bill with proof of minimum payment must be attached to all applications.