GAHANNA, Ohio, January 13, 2021 – AEP Ohio’s Neighbor to Neighbor Program is granting up to $3.5 million for eligible customers who are experiencing financial hardships. Through a partnership with AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) company, and Dollar Energy Fund, the Neighbor to Neighbor Program supports families in need with a grant applied directly to their AEP Ohio bill, helping customers maintain their basic electric service. Eligible account holders may apply now, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is depleted.

“We know that many families and individuals in our community may be experiencing financial hardships because of COVID-19, and we want to help those who may be struggling,” said Dave Tabata, who manages AEP Ohio’s Neighbor to Neighbor Program. “We’re encouraging our customers to reach out to us as soon as possible so we can work together to ensure their electric service stays connected.”

Customers may apply for this program online via the application portal or in person at a community agency. Required documents include a photo ID, most recent utility bill and proof of income or COVID-19 financial hardship, such as an unemployment filing notice or proof of unemployment benefits.

To qualify for assistance, a household must be behind more than 30 days on bill payment and its income must be at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Individual households are eligible for up to $350 in grants. For more information on eligibility and the application process, please visit www.AEPOhio.com/N2N.

Since AEP Ohio and Dollar Energy Fund launched the Neighbor to Neighbor Program in May 2009, more than $14.6 million in assistance has been granted to more than 61,000 customers.

The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program is funded by public contributions that are matched dollar-for-dollar by AEP Ohio. Utility customers may make a contribution through their monthly AEP Ohio bill, online or by sending a check directly to the AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program at Box 42329, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Every donation to the Neighbor to Neighbor Program is used to support families in Ohio. AEP Ohio will match every dollar donated to the Neighbor to Neighbor Program. With this generous match, your tax-deductible donation will have twice the impact.