Hardship Fund Duquesne uses the Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) to distribute/administer its hardship fund. DEF provides financial help to residential customers who need temporary help in paying electric bill. Company shareholders, employees, and customers are the primary contributors to the fund. Duquesne contributes a dollar for dollar match for any ratepayer contributions up to $375,000 annually. In addition, the Company provides an additional $75,000 for administrative support, which is recovered through its USP rider. A customer may receive one Hardship Fund grant, up to $500, per program year, to address an overdue balance. To be eligible, a customer must meet the following criteria: Have a residential heating account; • Total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the FPIG; • Must have paid a minimum of $150 on electric account within the past 90 • days (minimum of $100 if age 62 and over) or three consecutive CAP payments; Must have an account balance of $100 or more (account balance of $0 if • age 62 and over, but not a credit balance); Must provide income verification; • Must provide social security numbers (SSNs) for all household members; • and Must first apply for all other available energy assistance resources. • Customers who receive a hardship fund grant are exempt from termination for 30 days. Duquesne applies hardship fund grants to the customer’s to pay” amount. “asked
Hardship Fund Duquesne uses the Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) to distribute/administer its hardship fund. DEF provides financial help to residential customers who need temporary help in paying electric bill. Company shareholders, employees, and customers are the primary contributors to the fund. Duquesne contributes a dollar for dollar match for any ratepayer contributions up to $375,000 annually. In addition, the Company provides an additional $75,000 for administrative support, which is recovered through its USP rider. A customer may receive one Hardship Fund grant, up to $500, per program year, to address an overdue balance. To be eligible, a customer must meet the following criteria: • Have a residential heating account; • Total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the FPIG; • Must have paid a minimum of $150 on electric account within the past 90 days (minimum of $100 if age 62 and over) or three consecutive CAP payments; • Must have an account balance of $100 or more (account balance of $0 if age 62 and over, but not a credit balance); • Must provide income verification; • Must provide social security numbers (SSNs) for all household members; and • Must first apply for all other available energy assistance resources. Customers who receive a hardship fund grant are exempt from termination for 30 days. Duquesne applies hardship fund grants to the customer’s “asked to pay” amount.
1466474.docx