An elderly widow struggles with decisions when the bills roll in. Does
she pay her rent and buy her medications that keep her diabetes and
high blood pressure under control? Then what about her natural gas bill,
which is 45 percent higher than last year? There’s clearly not enough to
go around, and that doesn’t even include a small amount for groceries.
When SCE&G leaders saw what was happening with natural gas prices
following hurricane damage to natural gas supplies in the Gulf of Mexico,
they were very concerned about the impact on customers, especially
those on fixed and limited incomes, where every dollar counts.
That’s why SCE&G created a new $3 million Winter Assistance Fund for
financially challenged customers, with special emphasis on the elderly,
the disabled and families with small children.
The new Winter Assistance Fund began assisting financially challenged natural gas customers with energy bills Jan. 1, through a partnership with the Governor’s Office (Office of Economic Opportunity) and local community action agencies. The funds are being used specifically for residential natural gas customers who meet poverty guidelines. Priority is given to those who are disabled/handicapped or elderly, and to families with young children (age 5 and under), or households whose energy bills are more than 20 percent of household income. Residential natural gas customers who anticipated problems paying their energy bills began contacting local community action agencies on Dec. 12 to set up an appointment. Qualified customers whose applications were approved received a onetime credit of $250 to their heating bill after Jan. 1. “We’re heartened to see SCE&G looking at unique ways that it can help its customers during difficult economic times,” said Dukes Scott, executive director of the Office of Regulatory Staff. “Although rising energy prices affect us all, these funds help ensure that many of their customers who need help the most get it.”
While the Winter Assistance Fund is new, a longstanding program continues to provide assistance to those in need. When Charlotte Johnson began falling behind in paying her monthly bills, she worried about providing for her four children. The single mother was also concerned about her 10-year-old daughter, who has serious health problems. “It’s hard for me to work full time because of my daughter’s health,” Johnson said. “She had been in the hospital, and I was not able to work. The medical bills were piling up, and I couldn’t pay my electric bill.” Johnson contacted the S.C. Department of Social Services and was referred to the Aiken/Barnwell/Lexington Community Action Commission, which participates in Project Share, a program that provides financial assistance to low-income families who are struggling to pay their winter heating bills through SCE&G customer and employee donations. Last year, more than 11,000 customers and employees contributed more than $250,000. to the program, which benefited more than 1,000 low-income customers including Johnson. “I can’t explain how much it meant to my family,” said Johnson. “It helped me to get back on my feet again.” Through the end of 2006, SCE&G will contribute an additional 50 cents, up to a total of $250,000, for every dollar donated to Project Share. “Through this 50-cent match program, SCE&G hopes to inspire even more support for the folks who will be most challenged by the higher energy costs we’re all facing this winter,” said SCE&G President Neville Lorick. Since its inception in 1986, Project Share has provided more than $6 million in assistance to SCE&G customers.
bill as they are saving money for that luxury cruise. Dumb!
