Applications are available now for the Dollar Energy Fund’s hardship program, which helps limited-income households pay their gas or water bills.

The Dollar Energy Fund provides one-time grants of up to $500 to eligible households facing an immediate utility crisis to prevent termination or restore service for each of the utilities.

In Butler County, Columbia Gas, Peoples Natural Gas, and Pennsylvania-American Water participate in the Dollar Energy Fund.

Last year, the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit helped 10,500 limited-income Pennsylvania families meet their utility needs by distributing more than $3.6 million in hardship grants.

Dollar Energy Fund is funded through utility bill donations and public contributions that are matched by partnering utility companies.

Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions can be found at www.dollarenergy.org/need-help.