Struggling With Utility Bills? Help Is Open for the 2026–27 Season

The Dollar Energy Fund is now accepting applications for its Hardship Program. It's meant for households facing a utility shutoff or a pending disconnection.

What the program does

Grants go straight to a customer's account.

They help keep or restore gas, electric, water, or wastewater service.

Each grant covers only the amount needed to prevent or restore service, up to a cap set by each participating utility.

Who it's for

The program serves limited-income individuals, families, and seniors.

Many applicants have jobs or receive retirement or disability benefits, yet don't qualify for state or federal aid.

For them, the program is often a last resort after other options run out.

How long you can apply

Applications are first-come, first-served through Sept. 30, 2027. That's only while funds last, so apply early.

Why demand is rising

In Pennsylvania, the number of households receiving grants jumped 131% during the first three months of the 2025–26 program year, compared with the same period the year before.

By the end of that year, more than 24,600 households statewide had received a combined $10 million.

Dollar Energy Fund CEO Chad Quinn said last year's need hit levels the organization had never seen. He expects it to continue as housing, food and utility costs stay high.

How to apply

• Start by contacting your utility provider to check eligibility and see what programs are available.
• New this year, you can also apply online through MyApp Connect.
• The platform lets you submit one application and one set of income documents for all participating utility programs.

Prefer to apply in person? Local community partner agencies can help. Many of them also connect families with financial counseling, transportation help, child care support and housing services.

Eligibility basics

Income limits vary by utility and are based on the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, ranging from 150% to 300%.

Applicants may also need to show they've made a real effort to pay their bills over the past three months.

You'll typically need an outstanding balance and may be asked to seek any state or federal aid you qualify for.

The bigger picture

Over the past year, Dollar Energy Fund gave $37.3 million in hardship grants to more than 76,000 households nationwide.

Over more than 40 years across its 18-state service area, it has distributed more than $400 million to more than one million households.

Bottom line: If you're falling behind, don't wait for the shutoff notice. Quinn urges anyone facing a shutoff or struggling with bills to contact their utility company as soon as possible.

Source: WPXI.com News Staff, "Utility assistance program application opens for 2026-27 season," Oct. 3, 2026. Figures and quotes come from Dollar Energy Fund as reported there.

Note: Eligibility rules and grant caps vary by utility, so readers should confirm details with their provider.

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