The $1 Energy Fund will begin accepting applications for utility bill payment assistance from customers of PPL Gas Utilities who meet income guidelines.

Since 1983, the $1 Energy Fund has provided assistance and tangible aid to families and individuals experiencing difficulty in affording adequate and safe utility services to maintain basic living standards. PPL Gas Utilities is one of 13 utility companies across Pennsylvania that partners with the $1 Energy Fund and 150 community-based agencies who accept and process applications for grants directly applied to a portion of the utility bill.

PPL Gas Utilities, a subsidiary of Allentown-based PPL Corporation, serves about 75,000 natural gas customers in parts of 34 counties across Pennsylvania and one county in Maryland.

"We are delighted to launch this important partnership and to provide service to families who are PPL gas delivery service customers," said Cindy Datig, executive director of the $1 Energy Fund.

PPL Gas Utilities customers can add $1 or more to their monthly utility bill, and PPL will match their gifts to the $1 Energy Fund, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 annually.

Overall, among its 13 utility partners, the $1 Energy Fund allocated more than $3.5 million to households seeking help across the state. Almost three-quarters of the people who receive grants have jobs, social security or disability benefits or pensions. More than 75 percent of the grant applicants are women, and more than 60 percent have children at home. The $1 Energy Fund receives more than 13,000 applications per year and in determining grant awards, follows income guidelines and a record of bill payment history. Grants cover the entire bill or a portion of it.

Those in need can get a listing of community agencies that handle applications on a directory at www.dollarenergy.org or call PPL Gas Utilities toll free at 800-652-0550 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information.

The $1 Energy Fund, based in Pittsburgh, is Pennsylvania’s largest fuel fund and the fourth largest in the country.