We know Ohioans are feeling financial pressure. From groceries to housing to health care, household budgets are stretched. Electric bills have increased primarily because the cost of electricity generation has gone up more than 1,000% over the past five years. While AEP Ohio doesn’t own power plants and can’t control the price of generation, we are focused on helping customers manage their bills and connecting them with every assistance program available.
That’s why we’re expanding our long-running Neighbor to Neighbor program to help thousands more Ohioans with their electric bills. Thanks to a partnership with five data center companies operating in Ohio, this first-of-its-kind effort will provide more than $18 million in additional funding for people experiencing financial hardship.
“These additional funds are a significant infusion for a program that helps Ohioans in need,” said AEP Ohio President Marc Reitter. “This fund has always been about neighbors helping neighbors and we are happy that our data center customers are a part of it.”
Funding Breakdown
To support Ohioans, AEP Ohio will contribute an additional $1 million to the fund in 2026.
Additional contributions are coming from:
- Meta: $2 million per year over five years; $10 million total donation
- QTS: $1 million per year over three years; $3 million total donation
- Amazon: $2.5 million in 2026
- SoftBank Energy: $1 million in 2026
- Google: $500,000 to Neighbor to Neighbor and $500,000 to support energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households; $1 million total donation
With these contributions, Neighbor to Neighbor will be an option for customers year-round instead of being limited to summer or winter high bill seasons. We’ve also increased the potential grant amount from $350 to $500 and the pool of people eligible to apply by expanding to those who make up to 300% of the federal poverty income guidelines.
Who is Eligible?
Neighbor to Neighbor grants are provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants while funding is available. Customers may qualify for up to a $500 grant if:
- Their income is within 300% of the federal poverty income guidelines. Calculate your household income.
- They are a residential customer of AEP Ohio.
- Their account has an outstanding balance of at least $50 and is at least 30 days past due.
- They have paid at least $75 on their AEP Ohio account within the past three months.
- Their electric service has been disconnected or is in threat of termination.
- They are not enrolled in Ohio’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan.
For more information or to apply, visit Neighbor to Neighbor. If you’re not eligible for Neighbor to Neighbor, visit AEPOhio.com/BillHelp for other ways to manage your bill.
