June 2, 2011 -- Since May 2009, AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power, and Dollar Energy Fund have been collaborating on an energy assistance program that has provided more than $4.45 million in assistance to help moderate to low-income customers maintain or restore electric service.
As the Neighbor to Neighbor Program begins its third year, AEP Ohio has announced it will commit an additional $500,000 to the program.
Through the Neighbor to Neighbor program, more than 138 community-based organizations in 49 Ohio counties have joined the program’s network and have helped 19,545 low-income households receive utility assistance grants that are applied directly to their AEP Ohio account.
To qualify, the total gross household income must be at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. For example, a family of four earning up to $44,700 per year is income eligible for the program. In addition, households must have made a sincere effort of payment on their electric bill in the last 90 days and have a back balance. Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions can be found at aepohio.com.
AEP Ohio customers are encouraged to contribute to the Neighbor to Neighbor Program. AEP Ohio will continue to match every dollar donated to the program, doubling the impact of every dollar given.
AEP Ohio customers may make a contribution through their monthly electric bill. Donations can also be made online or by sending a check directly to the Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program, L-3285, Columbus, OH 43266-3285. All donations to the Neighbor to Neighbor Program will assist low-income AEP Ohio customers residing in Ohio.
Source: Times-Dispatch
