Dollar Energy Fund opens Ohio hardship aid for 2026-2027

Dollar Energy Fund launched its 2026-2027 Hardship Program on Oct. 1 for Ohio households facing utility shutoffs or past-due service. The expanded aid includes new funding for Ohio Power Company customers and a new online application platform.

Why it matters: - The program can keep heat, power, water or wastewater service on for income-eligible Ohio households facing a termination or a pending shutoff. - Expanded funding for Ohio Power Company customers should open the door to more families than in prior years. - The new online application process could reduce paperwork and speed access for households under pressure.

What happened: - Dollar Energy Fund opened its 2026-2027 Hardship Program on Oct. 1. - The program is accepting applications from households that are currently experiencing a utility termination or have a pending termination of service. - Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30, 2027, while funds last. - A grant is applied directly to a customer’s utility account to help maintain or restore basic service.

The details: - The Hardship Program serves limited-income individuals, families and senior citizens who are struggling with basic household expenses. - Many recipients have wages, retirement income or disability benefits but do not qualify for state or federal aid. - Ohio Power Company and five data center companies with operations in Ohio — Meta, QTS, Amazon, SoftBank Energy and Google — committed more than $18 million in August to the Neighbor to Neighbor Program. - That funding is administered by Dollar Energy Fund and has expanded eligibility guidelines for Ohio families. - During the 2025-2026 program year, more than 2,600 Ohio households received $818,000 in assistance. - Customers can apply through MyApp Connect, a new online platform launching with the program year. - MyApp Connect lets applicants use one application and one set of income documents across participating utility programs. - More information is available at MyAppConnect.com. - Customers who prefer in-person help can apply through community-based agencies. - Dollar Energy Fund’s Agency Finder can help locate a participating agency. - Local agencies can also connect families with financial counseling, transportation assistance, childcare support and housing services. - Dollar Energy Fund administers three hardship programs in Ohio. - The Neighbor to Neighbor Program now serves Ohio Power Company customers with household income up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines and a balance at least 30 days past due. - Eligible Neighbor to Neighbor households may receive up to $500. - Northeast Ohio Natural Gas customers with household income up to 250% may receive up to $500. - The Ohio Utility Assistance Program covers Ohio Power Company, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Duke Energy and Enbridge Gas customers with household income between 175% and 250%. - Eligible households in that program may receive up to $300 per utility, or up to $600 for both gas and electric service. - Each grant covers the exact amount needed to prevent or restore service, up to each utility’s maximum. - Other requirements can include a sincere effort to pay utility bills over the past three months and an outstanding account balance. - Applicants may need to seek federal or state assistance first if they qualify. - The latest program details are available at more information.

Between the lines: - The expanded Ohio funding reflects rising need and more strain on household utility bills. - Dollar Energy Fund said demand reached levels it had never seen before in the prior year. - The organization is relying on utility-partner matching funds to stretch every donation further. - The Neighbor to Neighbor Program directs 100% of donations to help limited-income Ohio families.

What's next: - Ohio households facing shutoffs are being urged to contact their utility provider first to check eligibility and available assistance. - Dollar Energy Fund says program rules can change during the year, so applicants should use the latest guidance before applying. - Donations can be made through Dollar Energy Fund or by mail to Box 42329, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. - More program and donation information is available at Dollar Energy Fund.

The bottom line: - Ohio families facing utility crises now have a broader, more streamlined path to emergency aid, but help remains first-come, first-served and limited by available funds.