The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program is now accepting applications for utility assistance grants for the 2021-22 winter heating season.
Through a partnership between AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power company, and Dollar Energy Fund, the Neighbor to Neighbor Program supports families in need with a grant applied directly to their AEP Ohio account to prevent disconnection of, or to restore, their electric service. Heating assistance is available once per program year on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible account holders may apply through April 30, 2022, while funds are available.
“We’re committed to providing assistance to those who may be struggling to make ends meet whether it is due to job loss or unexpected expenses,” said Brian Billing, energy efficiency consumer programs manager for AEP Ohio. “Through this heating program, we can help to ensure our customers, especially the elderly and those with health problems, can maintain their electric service during the cold winter months.”
Since AEP Ohio and Dollar Energy Fund launched the Neighbor to Neighbor Program in May 2009, more than $15.6 million in assistance has been granted to more than 65,000 Ohio households.
To apply, customers may contact one of the AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program’s network of more than 120 Ohio community-based organizations. To qualify, an applicant’s total gross household income must be at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
For example, a family of four earning up to $79,500 per year is income-eligible for the program. Households must have made payments to AEP Ohio totaling at least $75 in the three months prior to applying for a grant and owe a minimum of $50 on their AEP Ohio bill. Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions can be found at AEPOhio.com/helpaneighbor.
The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program is funded by public contributions that are matched dollar-for-dollar by AEP Ohio. Utility customers may make a contribution through their monthly AEP Ohio bill. Donations also can be made online at www.AEPOhio.com/N2N or by sending a check directly to The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program, P.O. Box 42329, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203. Every donation to the Neighbor to Neighbor Program is used to assist eligible families residing in Ohio. Every dollar donated to the Neighbor to Neighbor Program will be matched by AEP Ohio. These matching funds and 100 percent of your donation will assist limited-income families residing in Ohio to afford utility service.
For more information about Dollar Energy Fund and how to apply for the Hardship Program or donate to the organization, visit www.dollarenergy.org.
Submitted by Mark Rickel, AEP Ohio media relations.
