Get Ready for Winter: Peoples Encourages Customers to Apply for Heating Assistance Grants through Dollar Energy Fund 

Eligible customers can apply early for assistance before the winter season and start saving on monthly heating bills 

 Peoples Natural Gas, an Essential Utilities company, reminds customers that the Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) program opens for the 2025-26 heating season on Wednesday, October 1. Eligible Peoples customers can receive grants of up to $500 to help offset winter heating costs. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and customers are urged to apply early. 

To qualify for a one-time payment from DEF, customers must meet the following criteria:   

• Your total gross household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level 
• Gas service is off or in threat of termination 
• Account is for residential service (single family or apartment) 
• Name on the account is an adult currently living in the household    
• Made a good faith payment to the account within the last 90 days of applying for the grant 
• Applied for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)/Crisis benefits (when open) 

Customers can use DEF’s income calculator to determine eligibility. 

"As we enter the colder months, we want to ensure that every household has access to heat and comfort," said Rita Black, Director of Community Assistance Programs. "Now is the time to apply for assistance. Peoples is committed to helping customers access the Dollar Energy Fund and other assistance programs. If you need a helping hand with your utility bills, we're here. Call us at 1-800-400-WARM or visit Peoples-Gas.com/help to learn about our options." 

Customers can visit https://www.hardshiptools.org/MyApp/ to apply or contact their local DEF agency for assistance. In addition to DEF grants, several programs are available to assist with paying bills and including Peoples’ Customer Assistance Program, which provides an affordable monthly payment all year round, along with an emergency repair program that covers the full cost of repairs to heating systems and gas lines. 

For more information or to apply for assistance, call 1-800-400-WARM (9276) or visit peoples-gas.com/help to learn more.