Electric bill assistance from Mississippi Power.
Customers of Mississippi Power can apply for help from one or more of the following. Federal government grant programs and energy conservation resources are available. Mississippi Power also works closely with non-profits such as community action agencies and the Salvation Army Project Share program to offer financial help to struggling households. Lastly, the utility company administers its own payment plans and offers energy bill extender services.
Federal government and state of Mississippi assistance
The primary government resource for Mississippi Power customers is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. This is paid for by the federal government, but run at the state level by a number of non-profits including community action agencies. The program helps low-income households, especially seniors and the disabled, with paying their energy bills. It is often in demand during the summer months (for cooling bills) and the winter (for heating bills).
Qualified Mississippi Power customers can receive cash assistance and/or one time grants for paying bills. If someone is faced with an emergency, such as a disconnection, then LIHEAP also has a crisis component that is available as a last resort. The money paid out is a grant, and not a loan that needs to be repaid, so this is an additional benefit for struggling families.
To apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, you need to contact the community action agency in your town or county. Households and individuals that apply for help may also be required to meet additional eligibility criteria to in order to receive assistance. Funding is limited, and there are no guarantees that an application will be approved. Much of this depends on federal funding levels, and the are also no promises that grants are even available.
Weatherization is also available to Mississippi Power low income customers. This free service, which is also run by community action agencies, can install energy conservation measures in someone’s home. This can include caulking, insulation, and other measures. In some cases maybe repairs may be made to HVAC equipment. After all, conserving energy is a key factor in saving money on your bills.
Your local community action agency is there to support you. Receive answers to questions about weatherization and LIHEAP. Not only that, but case workers can also provide information on a number of other financial assistance programs and resources that may be offered for the handicapped, low income and elderly customers. The overall intent is to help with paying energy and summer cooling bills.
Financial resources administered directly by Mississippi Power
Mississippi Power customers who are currently receiving Temporary Aid to Needy Families or SSI can receive a discount. There may also be reduced rates for households receiving rent subsidized housing. Each recipient of public assistance can get a discount on her or his monthly electric bills. Call the company to apply.
Please note that if you apply for this reduction on your account, the Social Security Administration or the Mississippi Department of Human Services need to certify that you receive Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF). In general, the monthly base charge on your account is waived ($0.46 per day) for eligible elderly and low-income customers that are receiving AFDC or SSI. Dial 800-532-1502 to apply or learn more.
Bill Extender is a payment plan available to individuals who live on a fixed income. This can include Social Security or someone who receives a single monthly check, which could be something like a pension or disability payment. This program will help time and coordinate when your bill is due so that it is in sync with your monthly income. Telephone 800-532-1502.
Project Share is run by the Salvation Army, and is offered for Mississippi Power customers. It is an emergency financial assistance program for seniors, the disabled and elderly across the service territory. Funds can help pay utility bills as well a summer cooling bills. From time to time free fans may also be distributed to keep a home cool in times of extreme heat.
This service depends on donations from customers, employees and local businesses. So please contribute if you can, and all donations go to helping the low income. Apply for assistance at your local Salvation Army Center.
Phone number to apply for Mississippi Power assistance programs
The customer service team can be reached at 800-532-1502. The company can provide details on payment plans as well as government grants (both Mississippi and federal), extension programs and other measures.
|
