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Paying utility bills can be a daunting challenge, especially when financial hardships arise. Fortunately, the Dollar Energy Fund’s West Virginia Utility Assistance Program offers a lifeline for eligible residents, helping them manage their gas, electric, and water bills. This program is designed as a fund of last resort, providing support when other federal, state, and local programs have been exhausted.

How the Program Works

The West Virginia Utility Assistance Program provides one-time grants directly to a customer’s utility bill. These grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early is crucial. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the utility company, and the guidelines are subject to change, so staying informed about the latest updates is essential.

Key Dates to Remember

• For Appalachian Power Customers: The cooling season assistance for West Virginia seniors (65 years or older) began on June 3, 2024. This assistance is available to those who have not previously received a grant this program year, specifically for services that are off or in threat of termination.
• For Customers of Other Utilities: The program is open from October 2, 2023, through September 30, 2024, for services that are off or in threat of termination.

Before applying for the WV Utility Assistance Program, eligible applicants must first apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Emergency LIHEAP (E-LIHEAP).

Payment Requirements

Different utility companies have different requirements for what’s called a "sincere effort of payment," which shows that the applicant has tried to pay their bill recently. Here’s what’s required:

• Mountaineer Gas Customers: No payment requirement.
• MonPower and Potomac Edison Customers: A minimum payment of $150 on their account in the last three months ($100 for those aged 62 and older).
• Hope Gas Customers: A minimum payment of $100 on their account in the last three months ($75 for those aged 62 and older).
• Appalachian Power Customers: Seniors aged 65 or older must have paid at least $75 in the last three months.
• West Virginia American Water Customers: All applicants must have paid at least $50 in the last three months.

In cases of extreme hardship, exceptions to these requirements may be made.

Balance Requirement and Grant Limits

To qualify, applicants must have an outstanding balance of at least $100 on their utility bill. The maximum grant amounts vary by utility:

• Appalachian Power Customers: Up to $300.
• West Virginia American Water Customers: Up to $350 twice a year (total of $700 annually).
• All Other Utility Customers: Up to $500 per program year.

It’s important to note that, except for West Virginia American Water customers, applicants can only receive one grant per utility per program year.

Additional Guidelines

To be eligible, the utility account must be in the name of an adult currently living in the home, and the account must be for a residential, single home or apartment. Unfortunately, the grants cannot be used for security deposits or reconnection fees, and accounts for commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service are not eligible.

Applying for Assistance

If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills, the Dollar Energy Fund’s West Virginia Utility Assistance Program could provide the help you need. Remember to apply early, as funds are limited, and make sure you’ve applied for other available assistance programs like LIHEAP and E-LIHEAP first.

For more information and to apply, visit the Dollar Energy Fund’s website or contact your utility provider directly.

This program is a valuable resource for West Virginia residents, offering much-needed support to help keep the lights on, the heat running, and the water flowing during tough times.