Dollar Energy Sees Unexpected Influx of Applicants

A fund provider that helps low income families maintain or restore basic gas, electric and water service, has experience a significant influx compared to past years. Dollar Energy Fund CEO Cindy Datig says they had received 2,330 applications in May, compared to 726 received in May 2008. The spike in demand was unexpected. Datig says they anticipated more applicants, but not a 220 percent increase. Eligible applicants must be at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, or $44,100 for a family of four.