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.

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 Size200% Monthly200% 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.

Household Size150% Monthly150% 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

The Ohio Utility Assistance Program, which is administered by Dollar Energy Fund, provides assistance to eligible customers of select utility companies in Ohio. Customers may be eligible to receive a grant that is applied directly to their bill. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

Participating Utilities:

Program Dates

Open from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for service that is 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 $100 on their account in the previous 90 days.

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 $300 per utility ($600 maximum if a grant is received for both gas and electric service).

Applicants can only receive one grant per utility 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.

Customers on Ohio’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) are not eligible for assistance.

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

Income Guidelines

Total gross household income must be between 175% +$1 and 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 SizeMonthly (households from 175% + $1 up to 250% Federal Poverty Level – FPL)Yearly (households from 175% + $1 up to 250% Federal Poverty Level – FPL)
1$2,329 to $3,325$27,931 to $39,900
2$3,157 to $4,508$37,871 to $54,100
3$3,985 to $5,692$47,811 to $68,300
4$4,814 to $6,875$57,751 to $82,500
5$5,642 to $8,058$67,691 to $96,700
6$6,470 to $9,242$77,631 to $110,900
7$7,299 to $10,425$87,571 to $125,100
8$8,127 to $11,608$97,511 to $139,300
Each add’l add$829 to $1,183$9,941 to $14,200

The Northeast Ohio Natural Gas Hardship Program, which is administered by Dollar Energy Fund, provides eligible customers with a utility assistance grant applied directly to their Northeast Ohio Natural Gas bill. This grant helps limited-income customers maintain or restore their basic electric service. 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 $100 on their account in the past three months.

Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, must have paid $75 on their accounts.

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 $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

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 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

Household Size250% Monthly250% 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 Maryland American Water Hardship Program, which is administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers with their Maryland American Water 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 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are off or in threat of termination only.

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 water accounts in the past three months.

Balance Requirement

Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their utility bill of at least $50.

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

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.

Income Guidelines

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 Size150% Monthly150% 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

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 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, 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 $100 on their accounts in the past three months. Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, must have paid at least $50 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. (10/1/2025 – 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

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,” non-heat, 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.

Household Size200% Monthly200% 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 Arkansas Utility Assistance Program, which is administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers with their SWEPCO utility bills. Customers may be eligible to receive 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 only.

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 $200.

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. Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme hardships.

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.

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 Size200% Monthly200% 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 Illinois American Water Income-Based Discount Program is a program designed to provide utility assistance for residential water and/or wastewater customers. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant must be a residential customer of Illinois American Water.

Once enrolled, customers will be required to recertify their household member and income information on an annual basis to remain enrolled in the program.

Applicants are required to provide proof of income.

Program Benefits and Income Eligibility

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

RESIDENTIAL WATER & WASTEWATER CUSTOMERS
 At or below 50% FPIG51% – 100% FPIG101% – 150% FPIG151% – 300% FPIG
Fixed Charge (Service) & Volumetric Charge (Usage)80% discount65% discount40% discount10% discount

The I&M Neighbor to Neighbor Program is an emergency relief fund available to qualified I&M customers in Indiana. Administered by Dollar Energy Fund, the program helps low-income customers pay electric bills with a utility assistance grant applied directly to their I&M bill. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

Service Status

Service must be off or in threat of termination.

Balance Requirement

Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their Indiana Michigan Power bill of at least $50.

Sincere Effort of Payment

Applicants must have paid at least $75 on their account.

Maximum Grant

The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $250.

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

Income-eligible clients must apply for all federally-funded programs when those programs are open.

Customers must meet the guidelines of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) along with other eligibility standards.

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.

A grant through this program can be used to cover security deposits and reconnection fees.

Income Guidelines

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 Size150% Monthly150% 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

The Neighbor to Neighbor Program, which is a Hardship Program administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers in Louisiana with their SWEPCO electric bills. Customers may be eligible to receive a grant that’s 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 $100 on their SWEPCO account in the three months prior to applying for a grant.

Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, must have paid $75 on their accounts in the three months prior to applying for a grant.

Pledges made on an applicant’s behalf and other grants cannot be counted toward the sincere effort of payment. Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme hardships.

Balance Requirement

Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their SWEPCO bill of at least $50.

Maximum Grant

The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $200.

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

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.

Income Guidelines

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 Size150% Monthly150% 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