United Religious Community’s
Advocacy Center

DOLLAR ENERGY PROGRAM
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 3, 2025

The Dollar Energy program is currently suspended due to funds being fully depleted. Usually in the Fall, the program takes a break between the summer cooling season and the winter heating season; while timing is unclear, it is anticipated that the new season will start after October 1, 2025.

From January through August, 2025, the URC submitted 95 applications and clients received nearly $13,000 in help for electric service disconnection avoidance or restarts of service.

Background:

The URC’s Advocacy Center works with the Dollar Energy organization to provide help to Indiana-Michigan (AEP) clients in St. Joseph County facing electrical disconnections. Here are key points:

  • Assistance maximum is $250 and is available one time per annual cycle;

  • To be eligible, the client must be able to come up with enough payment to avoid a disconnection when combined with Dollar Energy help;

  • URC must collect proof of income for the prior 30 days (paystubs, proof of benefits, etc.)

For more info, or to apply, email urcsjc@gmail.com, or find the application online here.

For more on the Dollar Energy program, please visit www.dollarenergy.org.

ADVOCACY CENTER SERVICES/REMOTE ASSISTANCE

The Advocacy Center is not a drop in location; under certain circumstances, appointments may be made for in-person visits; see below:

 
 

How to reach us

  • Best way is our email: urcsjc@gmail.com

  • Phone message: 574-282-2397 x2

  • Fax: 574-282-8014

Assistance information

“Regular” assistance, when available, is limited to:

  • Identification, such as birth certificates when referred by a social services agency

  • URC does not provide gas cards

  • Services beyond these basics are on a case-by-case basis.

Information we will need in order to assist:

  • Identification (driver’s license, state-issued ID, South Bend resident ID, passport or other such identification)

  • A copy of the billing for the account, if the request is for utility assistance OR account number

  • Income verification