Energy Assistance to Low Income and Elderly Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Date # Customers
Huntsville Utilities
AL
Energy assistance to low income
Huntsville Utilities (Alabama) offers Project Share, which is designed to help utility customers 62 years or older and disabled customers pay utility bills. The program allows the community to make contributions by adding $1 or more each month, year round when they pay their bill. The utility collected over $128,000 in 2000 and has collected over $1,400,000 since the program began in 1988. The utility also offers Primetime Seniority which gives fixedincome customers extra days to pay their bills. By setting these customers' due dates at the 5th rather than the 1st of the month, the utility avoids charging penalties to customers whose pension checks are late.
Anna Parvin
205/535-1288
1/1/01
129,623
602/236-5900
7/24/01
702,817
Huntsville also offers a Third Party Notification program in which the account holder can request that a concerned friend, relative or third party be notified of possible disconnection of electric service. Salt River Project
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
AZ
Energy assistance to low income
Salt River Project (Arizona) has a progressive energy assistance program. SRP provides a $9.00 monthly discount on utility bills, through the Medical Life Support Discount Program, and for customers at 150% below the federal poverty level, through the Economy Price Plan. SRP also utilizes resource counselors to work with community agencies, a managed payment plan, and a customer select due date. The Service Extender Program provides enough power for necessary functions in the home up to 7 days before disconnecting for nonpayment. Additionally, under the SHARE Program, SRP matches corporate contributions $.50 to the dollar, and through SRP M-Power, low-income customers can receive a 1 cent/kwh discount for prepayment.
Page 1 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Anaheim, City of
CA
Energy assistance to low income
The City of Anaheim (California) offers Cheryl Gilbert several programs to low income customers including: Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program and Grants For Energy Efficiency -Provides grants for energy efficient improvements during rehabilitation of existing single-family and multifamily units; to be offered with 3% Block Grants for customers who are at or below 80% of the Orange County median income; Low-Income Senior Energy Credit - Provides a 10% reduction on electric bill to low-income seniors at or below 80% of the Orange County median income; and a weatherization program - In partnership with the Orange County Community Development Council, contractors make home repairs, replace inefficient appliances and install other energy saving measures as needed.
714/765-5173
1/1/01
105,755
Imperial Irrigation District
CA
Energy assistance to low income
Low income residents who qualify are now eligible for a 20-25% reduction on Imperial Irrigation District power bills, under a new program the District established. The discount is financed by the state-mandated public benefits charge. IID also offers a low income weatherization program to customers that qualify for the low income rate. IID contracts with local community based organizations to perform weatherization services on the houses of qualifying customers.
760/339-9033
1/1/01
93,486
Los Angeles Department of Wat CA
Energy assistance to low income
Los Angeles DWP (California) is offering financial assistance to low income, elderly or disabled customers. Through the utility's Project ANGEL charitable funds program the utility is offering financial assistance to customers of up to $100 to use toward payment of their delinquent utility bills. DWP also offers the following discounts: residential low income rate, senior citizen lifeline discount, low income home energy assistance program, life support discount, disabled person discount, multiple sclerosis, paraplegic, quadriplegic discount.
213/367-4211
6/7/00
1,385,396
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Contact
Phil Falkenstein
Phone
Date # Customers
Page 2 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Modesto Irrigation District
CA
Energy assistance to low income
As of January 2001, the Modesto Irrigation District, California, will offer a 15% discount on its electric bill to qualifying households that are certified by a third party. MID will develop an outreach program to identify and communicate with eligible recipients, as well as investigate additional program components, such as a balanced payment plan.
Ron Montwid
209/526-7560
1/1/01
92,229
Riverside, City of
CA
Energy assistance to low income
Since 1989, Riverside Public Utilities' customers have helped Riverside's qualified low-income residents with utility bill payments and deposits by donating to the SHARE program through their utility bills. These customer contributions are supplemented from the state-mandated Public Benefits Charge and Riverside Public Utilities contracts with the County of Riverside Department of Social Services Community Action Department to administer the program and conduct participation eligibility based on standardized poverty guidelines.
LeeAnne Uhler
909/826-5790
12/19/00
92,644
Sacramento Municipal Utilities
CA
Energy assistance to low income
Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (California) offers discounted electric rates through the Energy Assistance Program; monthly discounts for households that require use of life supporting devices, through the Life Support Program; and special third party disconnection notifications for senior citizens.
916/452-3211
7/24/01
503,615
Silicon Valley Power
CA
Energy assistance to low income
Silicon Valley Power (California) has teamed Mary Medieros up with the California Department of Community Services and Development, to offer a Rate Assistance Program (RAP), funded by the Public Benefits Charge (PBC). The RAP provides a 25% discount off the electric portion of the Municipal Utilities bill to qualified Santa Clara residents.
408/615-5647
1/4/01
47,524
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Date # Customers
Page 3 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Colorado Springs Utilities
CO
Energy assistance to low income
Colorado Springs Utilities promotes the LEAP program (Low Income Energy Assistance Program). LEAP provides assistance with utility bills during the winter months for individuals on fixed incomes and low-income families. Funds come from the Federal Government and the non-profit Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation. The Colorado Department of Human Services administers the LEAP program. Colorado Springs Utilities also offers the COPE program (Citizens Option to Provide Electricity) in which customers can make a one time donation or make a monthly pledge on their utility bill. Needy customers can go to various local agencies to get assistance from this program for utility bills.
Silvia Van Horn
719/668-8207
1/1/01
173,717
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority
FL
Energy assistance to low income
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (Florida) encourages customers to contribute to the energy assistance program Project Care through bill inserts 1 to 2 times per year. All of the funds are provided to a nondenominational charity as authorized by the Board to assist with payment of utility bills.
Lew Gillilland
561/466-1600x3306
1/1/01
24,471
Gainesville Regional Utilities
FL
Energy assistance to low income
Gainesville Regional Utilities’ (Florida) Project SHARE provides for the emergency needs of Gainesville's elderly and those in hardship due to medical problems SHARE funding is provided by voluntary donations from GRU customers who elect to have their donations billed on a monthly basis as part of their monthly GRU utilities payment. The Salvation Army administers the distribution of SHARE funds to qualified applicants. To encourage additional giving to Project SHARE and to help these customers, for the months of Feb, Mar, Apr 2001, GRU will match any new donations or any increase in current donations.
Dan Jesse
352/334-3400 x1485
1/23/01
79,346
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Date # Customers
Page 4 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
JEA
FL
Energy assistance to low income
JEA, Jacksonville, (Florida) sponsors the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program under a charter with the City Council, collecting money for an energy assistance program which is then distributed by Catholic Charities. The fuel fund helps with all types of fuel needs, including kerosene, heating oil and wood, as well as electricity. Customers can add $1, $2, $5, $10 or any other amount to their bill which will be added each month to their utility bill.
Customer service
904/632-6000
1/1/01
349,511
Kissimmee Utility Authority
FL
Energy assistance to low income
Kissimmee Utility Authority helps low-income families in need of assistance with energy costs through its Good Neighbor Energy Fund. Each year, KUA matches customer contributions of $17,500 for a total of $35,000. The funds are administered through various social service agencies in the community.
Chris Gent
407/933-7777
1/16/01
45,881
Orlando Utilities Commission
FL
Energy assistance to low income
OUC’s Project Care program raises money Paul Dillon through customer donations and dollar-fordollar matching funds from OUC. Participating customers either give a fixed amount to Project Care through their utility payments or let OUC round up their bills to the nearest dollar, earmarking the extra funds for the program. OUC also offers a Home Fix-Up Program for customers whose household income is $20,000 or less. Under the program, OUC arranges for licensed contractors to make energy-efficiency improvements to homes – and OUC pays 85 percent of the total cost of the improvements.
407/236-9658
7/1/01
155,614
Griffin Electric Department
GA
Energy assistance to low income
In December 2000, the City of Griffin/MEAG Power (Georgia) announced participation in The Salvation Army’s Project SHARE program. The program provides emergency assistance to individuals who need temporary help with utility services. The program assists the elderly, the disabled, the unemployed, the sick and others who are experiencing financial hardship. City of Griffin/MEAG Power will seed the program with $5,000 in immediate funding.
770/229-6406
1/10/01
14,469
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Tom Ridgway
Date # Customers
Page 5 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Cedar Falls Utilities
IA
Energy assistance to low income
Cedar Falls Utilities (Iowa) Add-a-Dollar program is a voluntary contribution program that enables CFU customers to assist needy households in Cedar Falls. CFU customers can participate by filling in an area located at the top of their monthly utility bill with the amount they wish to contribute. Customers can have an amount added to their monthly bill or can make a one time donation.
Mary Wise
319/268-5281
1/1/01
15,816
Springfield City Water, Light &
IL
Energy assistance to low income
Springfield City Water, Light & Power's (Illinois) Project Relief program is funded by utility customer contributions. The participating customers sign up for a monthly contribution that is included in their monthly bill total. The administrator is a utility employee not associated with the customer service office who schedules appointments for applicants with Contact Ministries, with which the utility has a contractual agreement. Contact Ministries is a non-profit social service agency established to assist low income persons. Project Relief is a lastresort assistance program that provides once-a-year funding to qualified customers to help them cover overdue CWLP bills, service deposits and reconnection fees during the heating season (December 1 through May).
Lois Wolff
217/789-2116
1/1/01
67,165
Crawfordsville Electric Light and IN
Energy assistance to low income
Crawfordsville Light & Power (Indiana) allows social security and disability recipients 4 extra days to pay their utility bill before any penalty is applied.
John Lester
765/362-1900
1/1/01
9,116
Russellville Electric Plant Board KY
Energy assistance to low income
The Ministerial Association of Russellville established the “Good Samaritan” Program several years ago. Utility customers sign up to have an amount of $ 1.00 or more added to their bill each month. The utility collects the money and forwards it to the Program. The money is used to assist people with energy, food, medicine, etc. as needed.
Larry Wilcutt
270/726-2466
1/12/01
4,137
Lafayette Utilities System
Energy assistance to low income
Lafayette Utilities System (Louisiana) sponsors Share the Lights, a program to assist thousands of underprivileged customers retain their electricity by offering $100 per year toward their utility bill.
318/291-5804
1/1/01
54,658
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
LA
Date # Customers
Page 6 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Lansing Board of Water & Light
MI
Energy assistance to low income
Lansing Board of Water & Light (Michigan) sponsors a "round-up" program called "Pennies for Power," in which customers are asked to round their utility bills up to the next full dollar with the proceeds going to avoid utility shut-offs. The program has been in place since August 1998 and has raised about $75,000. It is administered by a third party nonprofit group that sets guidelines and screens applicants.
John Strickler
517/702-6735
1/1/01
95,672
City Utilities of Springfield
MO
Energy assistance to low income
City Utilities of Springfield (Missouri) sponsors "Project SHARE" and "round-up" programs. Project SHARE is a community assistance program developed to assist elderly or disabled City Utilities customers pay their winter heating bills. When funds are sufficient, the program is expanded to include families with one or more children. Our customers can pledge a specific amount to be added to their bill each month, or use our round-up program where their utility bill will be rounded to the next whole dollar each month, with the change going to Project SHARE. Allocations of the funds are administered by the Project SHARE steering committee, which is made up of various social agencies in Springfield.
Robin House
417/831-8980
1/1/01
89,371
Independence Power & Light
MO
Energy assistance to low income
Independence Power & Light (Missouri) has two low-income energy assistance programs, both of which are administered by the Community Services League (CSL). I SHARE, provides financial assistance to income eligible households on gas, water or electric bills based on immediate needs. The City matches each dollar raised by CSL (through voluntary donations). The other program, IRAP, the utility funds fully and provides eligible low-income elderly and/or disabled households with 50% of their electric utility bill payment for a period of one year.
Rob Buell
816/325-7500
1/1/01
52,810
Fayetteville Public Works Com
NC
Energy assistance to low income
Fayetteville Public Works (North Carolina) Project Warmth program allows customers to provide donations that will be used to assist needy residents with their electricity bills. Each month, customers check a box on their bill and indicate how much they want to contribute to the program.
Customer service
910/483-1382
1/1/01
66,643
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Date # Customers
Page 7 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Omaha Public Utility District
NE
Energy assistance to low income
Omaha Public Power District (Nebraska) offers several services to assist low income customers. Through the Energy Assistance Program, the utility provides customer donations to help disadvantaged families pay energy-related expenses from April through October of each year. The Project Care Program provides emergency assistance, through donations matched by OPPD dollar for dollar, to customers. Another service, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, works with a social service agency to provide a customer guarantee that will reconnect services or prevent services from being disconnected. Additionally, the utility has a pre-pay metering program, a medical alert program, and budget billing for low income and elderly or disabled customers.
Farmington, City of
NM
Energy assistance to low income
Farmington Electric Utility System has a year-round utility assistance program that assists customers with their arrears (minus any deposits, service charges or late fees). They are authorized by the local PUC to use a portion of certain fees collected to fund this program. There is a limit of $375.
Springfield Utility Board
OR
Energy assistance to low income
Springfield Utility Board, (Oregon) offers a Project Share program where customers can make a tax-deductible donation to help lowincome residents pay their utility bills with a contribution to Project Share. SUB accepts one-time donations as well as monthly pledges.
Pascoag Fire District
RI
Energy assistance to low income
Pascoag Fire District (Rhode Island) participates in the RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF), which is administered by the Salvation Army. The General Manager of the utility occupies a seat on the Board of Directors of GNEF. Pascoag Electric contributes $1 for every $2 donated by their customers.
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Contact
Cindy Lyons
Ted Garille
Phone
Date # Customers
402/636-3201
7/24/01
287,275
505/599-1165
1/1/01
36,603
541/746-8451
1/1/01
27,359
401/568-6222
1/11/01
4,043
Page 8 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Bristol Tennessee Electric Syst
TN
Energy assistance to low income
Bristol Tennessee Electric System sponsors a "Help Your Neighbor" program, with voluntary contributions made by customers during the months of November-March. BTES collects the funds, the Salvation Army certifies the eligibility of the recipients, and the United Way of Bristol disburses the funds. All funds go directly toward helping residential customers. BTES will match up to $10,000 of customer contributions.
Brent Kitzmiller
423/652-4516
1/1/01
30,531
Jackson Utility Authority
TN
Energy assistance to low income
Jackson Utility Authority (Tennessee) offers the ADD Program in which the utility delays the due date of bills for customers that are retired or living on a fixed income until after their monthly retirement or government check arrives.
Paula Newland
901/422-7500
1/1/01
31,002
Knoxville Utility
TN
Energy assistance to low income
Knoxville Utility (Tennessee) offers Project Help, an emergency heating-assistance program that raises funds to buy electricity, natural gas, kerosene, heating oil, and wood for customers who need temporary help with their heating bills. Those participating in the program include, elderly or handicapped customers on fixed incomes, single parents, and families who have lost their incomes due to unemployment or illness.
Memphis Light, Gas & Water Di TN
Energy assistance to low income
MLGW has developed the On Track Program to assist customers with limited incomes manage their debts and pay their bills, including their MLGW debts. Participants will receive financial management classes and personalized payment plans to learn how to manage their financial resources. MLGW energy experts will provide valuable information on reducing home energy consumption and costs, as well as free energy audits and minor home repairs if necessary. Self study materials including audio tapes and budget plans are provided in the program's home study kit. Additionally, the utility provides free energy audits and minor home repairs, as well as home study kits, to help customers with limited incomes weatherize their homes.
Peggy Brewer
901/528-4820
1/1/01
385,294
Nashville Electric Service
Energy assistance to low income
Nashville Electric (Tennessee) has a special program that allows Social Security recipients to pay their bills after they receive their checks, with no late fees.
Marietta Rooks
615/747-3873
1/1/01
313,899
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
TN
Date # Customers
7/24/01
Page 9 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Austin Energy
TX
Energy assistance to low income
Austin Energy (Texas) provides a $6.00 discount on utility bills for recipients of one of the following: Supplemental Security Income, City of Austin Medical Assistance Program, Aged Blind and Disabled Medicaid.
Contact
Phone
Date # Customers
512/332-6300
5/8/01
337,603
940/349-8199
1/1/01
34,553
Austin Energy's (Texas) Plus One Program for low-income customers provides customer donations to help assist eligible customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bill. The utility also provides insulation, duct repair, solar screens, and weather-stripping of doors free-of-charge to low-income customers; they make minor home repairs needed for effective energy improvements; provide $500 vouchers to replace energyguzzling window air conditioning; and provide energy-efficiency presentations and billing assistance to low-income groups as part of the Austin Energy Speakers Bureau. Denton Municipal Electric
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
TX
Energy assistance to low income
Denton Municipal Electric (Texas) participates in the PLUS One (Prevent Loss of Utility Service) program, asking customers to donate $1 per month to the assistance fund which assists residential users who have received a disconnect notice and have exhausted deferred payment options. Others given priority include those with electrically-powered life support systems, with serious illnesses, the homebound or elderly, those with small children and customers who have suffered recent emergencies. Customers can receive help every six months. The program is coordinated through Interfaith Ministries of Denton, Inc.
Susan Croff
Page 10 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Lubbock, City of
TX
Energy assistance to low income
For many years, Lubbock Power & Light (Texas) has offered customers a voluntary contribution plan to provide energy assistance to needy customers. The program involved customers signing up and declaring a maximum amount to be added to their bill for the program. If customers overpaid their bill by any amount up to their maximum, those $ would be set aside for the assistance program. The program is administered by a non-profit agency who utilizes Lutheran Social Services as a screening agent. The screening agent notifies LP&L of eligible accounts and dollar amounts.
Rick Smith
806/775-2503
1/1/01
57,766
San Antonio City Public Service TX
Energy assistance to low income
San Antonio City Public Service's Project WARM program has helped thousands of families with their winter utility bill during the past few years. Project WARM funds are administered by the City of San Antonio Department of Community Initiatives. This program is made possible by individual contributions from CPS customers and royalty interests from natural gas reserves donated by the Wagner & Brown partnership of Midland, Texas.
210/207-7835
5/8/01
557,952
Benton County, Public Utility Di
Energy assistance to low income
Benton PUD (Washington) offers low income senior citizens with annual income of $18,000 or less and disabled customers whose income is less than 125% of the federally established poverty level, a discount of $6.90 per month or 15% of their electric bill, whichever is greater. The utility also offers a Helping Hands program where customers can donate to a fund to help needy customers pay their electric bills. Customers can also contribute on a regular basis with the "Buck a Month Club". Customers can sign up for this program on the utility's' web site.
509/582-1228
1/1/01
40,314
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
WA
Karen Miller
Date # Customers
Page 11 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Chelan County, Public Utility Di
WA
Energy assistance to low income
Chelan County PUD (Washington) Helping Hand program is designed to assist lowincome families in paying their electricity bills. Tax-deductible donations may be conveniently made at the time the customer pays an electric bill. The contribution is noted on the space provided on a customer's bill and that amount is added to the bill payment. The utility also gives a special rate discount of $7.85 per month to low income senior customers ages 62 and over with combined incomes of $18,000 a year or less and to low income disabled customers with a combined income of 125% or less of the Federal Poverty Income Guideline.
Doug Lewis
888/663-8121x4279
1/1/01
37,647
Clark Public Utilities
WA
Energy assistance to low income
Clark Public Utilities (Washington) has Jerry Watkins developed a progressive low-income program. The utility has a community care worker who is trained in resources and social services. The employee can intervene and provide case management for at risk customers. The utility guarantees service to customers in the program so long as they make a minimum payment each month (not to exceed 9% of the customer's income). Additionally, Clark PUD offers Rate Credits on winter electric bills to Seniors ages 62 or over with household incomes of less than $18,000 and Operation Warm Heart to help low-income residents who do not qualify for other kinds of government electric heating assistance.
360/992-3395
1/1/01
146,723
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Date # Customers
Page 12 of 14
Utility
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Mason County, Public Utility Dis WA
Energy assistance to low income
Mason County Public Utility District #3 (Washington) encourages its customers to make tax-deductible contributions to Project Share, a low-income assistance fund, by using billing messages, bill stuffers, newsletter articles and automatic billing. Project Share helps customers whose incomes are 180% or less of the federal poverty level by contributing a maximum of $75 per year to prevent disconnection of service or to serve as a deposit for new service. The utility also has a special rate/discount of 40 cents per day (about $12 per month) for low-income senior customers ages 62 and over with total household annual income of $18,000 or less and to lowincome disabled customers with total household income of 125% or less of the federal poverty income guideline.
Shawn Anstey
360/426-8255
1/1/01
4,624
Seattle City Light
WA
Energy assistance to low income
Seattle City Light (Wasington) offers free appliance repair and a discounted rate to Senior Citizens, the disabled, and those with low incomes. Seattle City Light also participates in Project Share, allowing customer donations to pay up to $500 of an electric bill. Additionally, Seattle City Light offers emergency low income assistance, a budget billing plan, weatherization grants, and financial assistance for energy efficiency measures beyond those required in the building code.
206/684-3200
7/25/01
345,512
Snohomish County, Public Utilit WA
Energy assistance to low income
Snohomish County PUD #1 (Washington) offers discounts ranging from 15 percent to 45 percent (depending on income levels) of bills to low-income seniors and disabled citizens who qualify. Additionally, Snohomish County PUD #1 offers Project Pride to distribute customer donations to low income customers and the Helping Hands Program for elderly customers.
425/783-8552
1/1/01
255,573
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
State
Sandy Marks
Date # Customers
Page 13 of 14
Utility
State
Type of Program
Description
Contact
Phone
Tacoma Public Utilities
WA
Energy assistance to low income
Tacoma Power's (Washington) Project Need offers assistance to Tacoma Power customers whose income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. They provide a one time payment of up to $300 to those not in subsidized housing and $200 for those in subsidized housing. Currently, customers can only apply once a year, must have a disconnect notice and the assistance does not pay deposits, reconnect charges or late fees. Tacoma Public Utilities offers a Special Discount Rate for all utility services including power. A 25% discount is given to eligible Tacoma Power customers and until October, the energy surcharge is waived. Households must be at or below 70% of the State Median Income and 62 years or older OR be disabled OR have a child with a disability. Customers must recertify annually. Additionally, Tacoma Public Utilities offers weatherization grants to low income customers.
Julie Dahlen
253-502-8538
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Date # Customers 1/1/01
146,132
Page 14 of 14