Hey friend, if your Ohio electric or gas bill has you stressed out, we have good news. There’s a program right now that can put real money toward your utility account, and it’s still open. But the clock is ticking, because this funding round closes September 30, 2026, and grants are distributed on a first come, first served basis while funding remains.
We know how scary it feels to open a shutoff notice. So let’s walk through exactly how this works, who qualifies, and how to apply before the funds are gone.
What This Program Is
This help comes from the Ohio Utility Assistance Program, which is administered by the nonprofit Dollar Energy Fund. It is not a loan, and it is not free cash in your pocket. Instead, an approved grant is applied directly to your utility account to help restore service or prevent termination.
The current program year runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 (Dollar Energy Fund). Grants are distributed on a first come, first served basis while funding remains, so the program could run out of available funding before September 30.
Who Qualifies for This Grant
Dollar Energy Fund lists several requirements for this program. To qualify:
- You must get your electric or gas service from AEP Ohio, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Duke Energy, or Enbridge Gas; and
- Your service must already be off or under threat of termination;
- Your gross household income must be above 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines by at least $1 and no more than 250%. As one example, Dollar Energy Fund currently lists the annual income range for a one person household as $27,931 to $39,900 (Dollar Energy Fund);
- You must have paid at least $100 toward your utility account in the last 90 days;
- You must still owe at least $100 on the account; and
- The utility account must be in the name of an adult who currently lives in the home.
One important note: if you are enrolled in Ohio’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan, known as PIPP, you are not eligible for this particular grant.
How Much Money You Can Get
- Up to $300 per utility
- Up to $600 total if you receive assistance for both gas and electric service
- Only one grant per utility in a 12 month period
The exact amount awarded depends on your situation, so not everyone will receive the full $300 or $600.
There’s also an important rule to know if you’re facing a shutoff. Dollar Energy Fund says that if the maximum $300 grant isn’t enough to restore your service or stop the termination, your application will be denied. Your utility determines the amount needed to restore service or prevent termination.
The grant also cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees, so you may still be responsible for those costs if they apply to your situation.
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Contact your utility company first. Tell them you’re interested in the Ohio Utility Assistance Program through Dollar Energy Fund. Your utility can help determine whether you may be eligible and direct you to the appropriate application route.
- Depending on your utility and situation, you may be referred to a participating community-based agency or be able to complete portions of the application through Dollar Energy Fund’s MyApp system. You can start at Dollar Energy Fund’s Need Help page for current instructions.
- If you need help figuring out where to apply, call Dollar Energy Fund’s Utility Assistance contact center at 1-888-282-6816.
- Get your documents ready. Dollar Energy Fund says applicants should be prepared to provide their most recent utility bill, utility account information, proof of household income, and proof of payments made toward the utility account during the previous three months.
- Submit your application as soon as you have everything ready. Dollar Energy Fund recommends continuing to make utility payments while you’re waiting for assistance, because a grant does not replace your regular monthly utility payment.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
This is a first come, first served program, which means meeting the eligibility requirements doesn’t guarantee that funding will still be available.
The current program year ends September 30, 2026, but Dollar Energy Fund says grants are distributed while funding remains. Applying sooner gives you a better chance of reaching the program while funds are still available.
Relief Recap
If Dollar Energy Fund’s grant doesn’t cover everything you need, you may still have other options. Our guide on how to get emergency help with utility bills walks through other resources that may be able to help with electric, gas, and other utility costs.
