What does your town/municipality/city do to help elderly/poor with utility bills?

[berettafan]

With costs going through the roof our town is finding that many elderly and poor are unable to keep up with their utility bills. Short of subsidizing them directly we are looking for options to help.

Would love to hear from anyone on this.

[onewhippedpuppy]

There's other organizations available to help with food, clothing, etc. Someone that needed extra money for bills can always take advantage of these organizations. Even in an average sized city like Wichita, there's an abundance of charitable organizations, mostly church based. The money I give to my church helps support a number of them.

[vash]

man, i hope i never have to find out....

[gr8fl4porsche]

On our power bills there is a box to check to give some of your payment (the overage) to a special account which helps pay the bills of the needy. I do not know what happens after you check the box and pay the extra money, but it is there.

[David]

Before deregulation the local electric utility had to match dollar for dollar any donations made to them to help the poor. They did't advertise the fact very well and I don't know if it's still mandatory to match now that Texas is deregulated.

[Mo_Gearhead]

OPERATION ROUNDUP

Anyone that wishes to, can have their electric bill rounded-up to the next dollar.
(thus: 'average' cost per year, per consumer = about $6)

All voluntary.

Several million dollars collected over the years. Overseen/distributed by a separate Board of Directors!

Works well.

[UconnTim97]

I live in Philadelphia, need I say more.