A resource known as the Louisville Gas and Electric Winterhelp program was created using mostly donated funds. The intent of the program was to help families in a crisis pay their utility as well as heating bills. It operates as an emergency assistance program that will only provide funds to those qualified customers that have no other financial resources available to them.
The company works with members of the community, including non-profits, on collecting donations. They also advertise the service to their other customers so people are aware that they can contribute. All of the money raised is used to pay utility bills of the less fortunate, and the funds are not used for paying any administrative costs.
Louisville Gas and Electric Winterhelp is not the primary method used for helping low income families. Instead anyone that needs assistance should first try LIHEAP and similar resources. They should also talk to the company first, and see if they are qualified for a payment plan or some other form of aid. Only after every single program has been explored may Winterhelp assist a struggling family with their energy costs.
When behind on utility bills, look into those other government and non-profit programs first. This will be required from applicants. If other options can't help the client, then this is when Louisville Gas and Electric Winterhelp may assist. Since the funding is limited as it does rely on donations, there will be priority given to seniors, families with children, and the disabled among others. Other clients may be the sick or people on life-saving machines.
Only a portion of any utility bill will be paid. But this can be important as it will provide the customer time to look for additional assistance from other programs. The customer service team at Louisville Gas and Electric, which can provide information on all resources (not just Winterhelp) can also direct individuals to these other services, some of which are not donation based.
Louisville Gas and Electric Winterhelp provides a way for people to give back to those that are less fortunate. It is also an option for both employees as well as management at the company. It is a neighbor helping neighbor concept, meaning that all of the donations stay local and go to help someone in the community.
There are many reasons to contribute, if and when possible. They include some or all of the following. The money will not go to administrative costs, so employee or volunteer salaries will not be paid. The donations stay in the town and county where someone lives, so it makes an immediate impact. Also, lastly, funds can help truly unfortunate families pay their utility bill to keep their lights or heat on when they have a crisis.
Anyone can contribute, and families in a crisis can apply to Louisville Gas and Electric Winterhelp for utility bill help. For more information on either of these options, dial 502-561-6830.