Memphis Light, Gas and Water Share the Pennies utility bill donation program

A partnership known as Share the Pennies was created between Memphis Light, Gas and Water as well as local charities, such as Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association. All the agencies that participate are involved in raising funds from the public, and the money is then used to help low income and less fortunate customers with paying their utility bills. The intent is to help reduce the number of disconnections that occur throughout Shelby County.

The program is strictly voluntary, and individuals can decide to contribute to it or not. If they do, the money will be used wisely and is focused on families facing a crisis. No donations will be used to pay administrative costs, and Memphis Light, Gas and Water covers that expense themselves. In come cases, employees will donate funds as well, and the company may make matching grants to the program in order to increase the funds that are available.

The amount that can be households can contribute is minimal as well, the monthly donation is much less than someone may spend on one cup of coffee! What happens is that Memphis Light, Gas and Water will round up the monthly utility bill to the next whole dollar amount, and the difference is the donation. So if a bill was $98.62, MLGW will round that up to $99. The difference of 38 cents is put towards the Share the Pennies program. So at the most, the maximum donation will be 99 cents in any one month.

Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association administers the Share the Pennies funds in Shelby County. They help aggregate donations, collect applications from the public, and pass on the money to the needy and working poor. The goal is to help those people facing a one time crisis, and the utility assistance is not for households that are chronically struggling or delinquent on their bills.

The money is also rolled up into Project CARE, which is another form of assistance, however this one address energy conservation. It may also provide assistance with repairs to the poor and low income.

 

 

 

 

In order to apply for assistance from Share the Pennies, note that aid is limited. It also comes with many restrictions in place, and all funds are limited. The intent of the program is also not a charity type benefit, but rather the assistance is one time only and it will be targeted. Proof of hardship, income, and a significant amount of supporting documentation may be required, including on all household members.

For more information or to request an application, contact Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association. Or customers can also dial Memphis Light, Gas and Water to either apply or request help, and that number is (901) 528-4887.