Central Maine Power donation utility bill assistance

When facing a shut off of heat, electric, light, or other utility services, the Central Maine Power works with local partners to offer energy bill assistance, and the program can help. Using donations from the public, corporations, fund raisers and money from other sources, the emergency assistance program can be one resources available to the low to moderate income. It is most effective with other sources of energy bill assistance, including payment plans, LIHEAP cash grants, free conservation measures, and more.

Who gets help from Central Maine Power partner donations?

Most of the financial aid is for customers who are facing a one time hardship and that have extenuating circumstances in their life. This may be a senior citizen, a disabled person, someone who had a spouse die, or a worker who lost their job. In general, the financial assistance for paying electric or heating bills from the partnership is very targeted. It is an emergency type program only.

The dollar amount paid out is small as well. It will only pay a portion of what may or may not be due from the utility customer. The balance (or what Central Maine Power partners won’t pay) needs to be covered from other sources. Whether it is another local charity or government aid…the customer needs to seek additional support on their own.

This means the donation program known as Central Maine Power utility donation partnership is most effective when the funds are combined with other assistance. That may be a payment plan from the company. Or most low income customers can greatly benefit from some form of energy conservation program.

 

 

 

 

Donations and giving back

As noted, this entire utility bill assistance program is dependent on donations from the community. The contributions come from many places. There are one time as well as recurring Round Up type donations that go to fund the service. In addition to those (which fund the majority of the money for Central Maine Power partnership) other sources of contributions include:

• -Employees from Central Maine Power will often donate some of their paycheck or hold fund raisers.
• -The company itself will provide matching cash grants as well, thereby increasing the effectiveness.
• -Management will also often donate some money to the energy bill assistance program.
• -Local charities, fund raisers, religious groups and other all contribute.

When donating, a few different things to keep in mind. One is that the donations are tax deductible. In addition, 100% of the contributions go into Central Maine Power partnership program itself. This means every single dollar as well as cent goes to help a low income qualified customer pay their utility bill. In addition, there is no minimum contribution required and there are also different ways to give back, with 100% of the money also staying in the local Central Maine Power service territory.

Next steps to donate or apply

The process will be very similar. Both the Central Maine Power customer service can be contacted (phone number 211) or a struggling customer or donor can work with a local social service agency. Some of the partners of the Central Maine Power utility bill assistance program include community action agencies as well as the department of social services.

In addition, the funds go quickly throughout the year. Anyone who needs financial aid to pay their utility bills should apply ASAP.