Dollar Energy Fund opens 2026–2027 hardship grants for West Virginia households

Dollar Energy Fund has launched its 2026–2027 Hardship Program for West Virginia customers facing utility shutoffs or pending termination. The program is available through Sept. 30, 2027, and includes a new online application platform meant to streamline access to aid.

Why it matters: - The program can prevent gas, electric, water or wastewater service from being disconnected for income-eligible West Virginia households. - The grants go directly to utility accounts, making the aid immediate and practical for families in crisis. - Demand for assistance remains high as household costs rise and more residents struggle to keep current on utility bills.

What happened: - Dollar Energy Fund opened its 2026–2027 Hardship Program on Oct. 1 for West Virginia households facing a utility termination or a pending shutoff. - Applications will be accepted first come, first served through Sept. 30, 2027, while funds last. - The program helps limited-income individuals, families and senior citizens with basic utility costs. - Chad Quinn, Dollar Energy Fund CEO, said families are facing higher costs for housing, food and utilities and urged households at risk of shutoff to seek help quickly.

The details: - The program serves customers of Appalachian Power, Hope Gas, Mon Power, Potomac Edison, Mountaineer Gas and West Virginia American Water. - Income limits are set by Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. - Eligibility is up to 150% of poverty for Appalachian Power, Hope Gas, Mon Power, Potomac Edison and Mountaineer Gas customers. - Eligibility is up to 200% of poverty for West Virginia American Water customers. - Each grant covers the exact amount needed to prevent or restore service, up to a utility-specific maximum. - Some applicants must show a sincere effort to pay utility bills over the past three months and an outstanding account balance. - Some applicants may need to pursue federal or state assistance first if they qualify. - Some utility programs require that service already be disconnected or at risk of termination. - Customers are encouraged to contact their utility provider first to confirm eligibility and learn about available assistance. - Program rules and eligibility can change during the year. - Up-to-date program information is available at Need help information.

Between the lines: - Dollar Energy Fund is broadening access by adding MyApp Connect, a new online application platform launching with the new program year. - The platform allows customers to apply anytime from any device and use one application and one set of income documents across participating utility programs. - That change could reduce paperwork and make the process faster for households under pressure. - Customers who prefer in-person help can apply through community-based agencies. - Those agencies can also connect families to financial counseling, transportation assistance, childcare support and housing services. - In 2025–2026, more than 5,300 West Virginia households received a combined $1.9 million in assistance. - Across its 18-state service area, Dollar Energy Fund provided $37.3 million in hardship grants to more than 76,000 households last year. - Since 1983, the organization says it has distributed more than $400 million in utility assistance to more than one million households.

What's next: - Customers can apply through MyApp Connect at MyApp Connect. - Customers seeking in-person help can use Dollar Energy Fund’s Agency Finder at Agency Finder. - Donations can be made at Donate to Dollar Energy Fund, by mail to Box 42329, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, or through participating monthly utility bills. - Dollar Energy Fund says all donations are tax-deductible and that 100% of funds collected from West Virginia donors stay in the state to help limited-income families. - More information is available at Dollar Energy Fund.

The bottom line: - For West Virginia households one bill away from a shutoff, the new grant cycle offers direct help now, with a simpler application process and funding that remains available until it runs out.