Black Hills Energy Cares utility bill assistance

One of the many utility bill assistance programs available to struggling Black Hills Energy customers in Colorado is the Cares program. This is different in some of the other options in that it is paid for using donations from the community as well as matching funds from the company itself. However anyone that is out of all other options can apply to this for help.

Like any type of charity or government energy assistance program, there is no guarantee to receiving funds from it. In fact Black Hills Energy Cares may be a little harder to be approved for. One reason is that it is smaller in scope as donations are used, and they run out quickly. Another reason that utility bill assistance is harder to get is the applicant needs to have exhausted all other benefits available to them, including charities, LIHEAP, and other social service programs. So Cares is when all else has failed.

Another consideration is that (since funding is limited and this is charity aid), there will need to be priorities set. The assistance from Black Hills Energy Cares is generally for the following needs, but exceptions can always be made. Donations are used to help:

• Senior citizens that if they lost their heat/electricity, may be at risk.
• Individuals that have become ill.
• Customers with a short term reduction in income, but that there is proof it is temporary.
• Other applications are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Black Hills Energy Cares is a Neighbor Helping Neighbor program in Colorado, but is also expands to include local charities as well as employees of the company. All of these individuals either donate money to or are involved in collecting contributions for the utility bill assistance program. The reason it goes by the name of Neighbor helping Neighbor is that not only does the money stay locally, but it also relies on people from the local community contributing to it.

 

 

 

 

Anyone thinking of giving back to the Iowa region by donating should also realize the financial benefits to this. Black Hills Energy will send out an annual statement showing the total contribution. The donor will also more than likely qualify for a tax deduction for both their federal and state taxes.

The process is also voluntarily. There are no minimum or maximum amounts that someone needs to give. They can start or stop their contribution at any time. Whether they write a check out to the program, or donate by rounding up their monthly utility bill, all contributions are appreciated and more than welcome. For more details, dial 888-890-5554.

Applying for Black Hills Energy Cares

Generally, funds are first come and served to those that qualify. The amount of assistance for an energy bill is minimum, but it can give the customer some breathing space so they can seek other financial help. There are some terms and conditions noted above as well.

The program can help fill a gap if and/or when the customers other benefits have been used up, namely from LIHEAP. The process will normally require this criteria to be met before any funds are paid out to the household.

For more information on how to apply, dial Black Hills Energy at 1-800-303-0752. Or if a potential donor has questions on contributing to the service, they can either review their monthly utility bill for details on how to round up, or they too can call customer support at the number above.