PITTSBURGH – Peoples Gas, an Essential Utilities company, is promoting the rollout of the 2022-2023 Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) program to help customers who are experiencing financial hardship with their natural gas bills. Applications open October 3, and grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available. Through a matching grant from Peoples, eligible customers can receive a one-time grant of up to $500 through DEF.
DEF is available to customers whose total gross household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and who meet the following criteria:
- Initially applied for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)/Crisis benefits (when available)
- Account is for residential service (single family or apartment)
- Name on the account is an adult currently living in the household
- Record of good faith payment to the account (within the last 90 days of applying for the grant)
Customers can use DEF’s income calculator to determine if their gross income is within the eligibility range.
“At Peoples, we understand it can sometimes be difficult to pay your natural gas bills, especially during the winter season,” said Rita Black, director of community assistance programs at Essential Utilities. “We are dedicated to helping our customers in need find the best possible solution to keep them safe and warm, and educate them about the various assistance programs available to them.”
For nearly 40 years, DEF has been providing grants with the mission to improve quality of life for households experiencing financial hardship with winter heating bills. To date, it has provided $237 million in utility assistance grants to more than 775,000 limited-income families and individuals.
Customers can visit https://www.hardshiptools.org/MyApp/ to apply, or contact their local DEF agency for assistance. Additionally, if you or someone you know needs heating assistance, call 1-800-400-WARM (9276) or visit peoples-gas.com/assistance.
###
About Peoples
Peoples, an Essential Utilities company, provides natural gas service to approximately 750,000 homes and businesses in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky. Peoples is committed to its customers, its employees, the environment, and to the regions it serves. For more information, visit peoples-gas.com and follow Peoples on social media @peoplesnatgas.