With temperatures pushing the 100-degree mark in the state and the demand for electricity to keep homes cool, one utility is reminding its customers there is help available in paying the utility bills.
Summer heat can put a strain on both energy use and household budgets. During Home Energy Aid Month, OG&E announces new utility bill assistance funding, resources to support customers who need extra help, and partnerships with nonprofits.
“The hot summer months can create financial difficulties for some of our more vulnerable neighbors,” said Kelli Hayward Walsh, OG&E Community Outreach & Engagement Manager. “Through our nonprofit partnerships and grants, bill assistance programs and energy-saving tools, we’re committed to standing by our customers and helping them keep the lights on.”
This year the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation is donating $130,000 to five nonprofits across its service area that help qualifying customers who need assistance paying their utility bills.
This funding will benefit the following organizations:
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Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency, serving Cleveland, Lincoln, Logan, Payne, Pottawatomie and Seminole counties.
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Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council, Inc., serving western Arkansas communities.
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Homeless Alliance, serving the Oklahoma City metro
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KIBOIS Eastern Oklahoma Community Action Agency, serving Haskell, LeFlore and Sequoyah counties.
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul, serving Ada, Harrah, McLoud, Midwest City, Moore, Mustang, Norman, Oklahoma City, Purcell, Sulphur and Yukon.
OG&E has several energy saving and financial aid programs that assist qualifying customers:
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Silver Energy program provide special incentives and customized options to qualifying seniors age 65+.
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Energy efficiency programs provide customers with upgrades to their homes like attic insulation, caulking and weather-stripping for windows and doors, and A/C tune-ups that reduce energy usage and lower bills at no out-of-pocket cost. Homeowners and renters alike may be eligible for these programs.
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Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) gives qualified OG&E customers a $13 per month credit on their bill.
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Lend-a-Hand program, in partnership with and administered by the Salvation Army, allows OG&E customers to donate money to qualifying customers who need help paying their energy bills.
Customers can find more information and apply for assistance by visiting OGE.com/assistance.
In addition to OG&E’s customer assistance programs, the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation continues to invest in community-based nonprofits that provide essential services and programs that improve quality of life across the company’s service area. From delivering meals to seniors and supporting mental health initiatives to expanding STEAM education and the arts, these organizations play a critical role in strengthening the communities we serve, especially at a time when many are being asked to do more with less. The following organizations were awarded grants through the Foundation’s latest funding cycle:
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Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, Grief and Divorce Support Groups – $5,000
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City Care, Supportive Communities Housing Project – $15,000
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City Rescue Mission, Hope Lives Here Housing – $35,000
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Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, RAM Business Partnership Art Education – $5,000
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The Foundation for Oklahoma City Community College, OCCC Food Pantry – $5,000
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Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Street Outreach Rapid Response – $10,000
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Mulberry Community Food Pantry, Inc., Reduced School Week Supplement Meals – $5,000
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Oklahoma Zoological Society, Inc., Safari Lights – $50,000
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Pivot, Transitional Living Program – $30,000
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RSVP of Central Oklahoma, Senior Volunteer Connection – $5,000
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Sunbeam Family Services, Early STEAM Project – $30,000
