Hampton Roads EnergyShare utility bill assistance

Recurring as well as one time donations to Hampton Roads EnergyShare are used to help the less fortunate pay their utility bills. One hundred percent of the donations, no matter how small or large the dollar amount is, all of the funds are given to the low income, working poor, and others who are struggling with paying their energy costs.

It is sometimes the case that a customer of Hampton Roads is hit with a financial challenge. Maybe a primary wage earner got sick, the parent divorced, or a senior citizen missed a payment on their pension…no matter the case, Hampton Roads EnergyShare can help fill a short term need.

As noted, this is a short term, emergency utility assistance program. This helps both (1) encourage donations as well as (2) provide the customer a short respite so that they can find other longer term assistance, which may come in the form of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or some other government benefit.

Hampton Roads EnergyShare can help pay some utility type bills. Providing there is funding (from the donations), the customer qualifies, and that other criteria are met. There may be funds to pay for electric or light bills, money to keep the heat on, or even natural gas costs. No matter what type of service the Hampton Roads customer uses, the emergency program will be able to offer them some form of short term relief.

The amount of money is very limited. In addition, the customer will not be handed a pile of cash. Rather any funds will be applied directly to their utility bill from Hampton Roads. This is used for both reasons of efficiency as well as to cut back on waste and/or fraud. It ensure the money to help pay utility bills, which is all donated from generous people or companies, is used just as it is intended for.

 

 

Different organizations, social service agencies, and companies all partner together to run this service. There is cooperation from groups as wide ranging as local community action organizations to the Salvation Army or churches. Many of these individuals help raise money for donations, they pass out information on how to apply to Hampton Roads EnergyShare for any clients they have, and they may also direct people to the multitude of other energy assistance programs out there.

All of the donations are of course voluntary. No one is obligated to ever give a cent. Even if a person or organization does donate, say on a recurring basis, they can stop at anytime they want to as well. There is never an obligation.

For those who do donate, they can be rest assured that 100% of the contribution goes to the program for paying utility bills. They can also get both a state and federal tax deduction due to the money being used for charitable causes. The funds go to help only qualified low income customers that have a short term financial emergency, and it can make a difference when it comes to utility bills.

For more information on Hampton Roads EnergyShare, ranging from applications to donating, dial 757-965-9012 ext. 1.