HeatShare Fuel Fund

The HeatShare Fuel Fund, which is administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers with their Columbia Gas of Maryland bills. Customers may receive a one-time grant 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 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, 2023, through 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 $150 on their accounts in the past three months. Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, must have paid at least $100 on their accounts.

Balance Requirement

Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their utility bill of at least $100.

Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, may have a $0 balance as long as there is no existing credit on the account.

Maximum Grant

The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $500.

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.

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

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.

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

Application Attachments

Verification of income or proof of MEAP 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.

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.