Rolla Municipal Utilities Helping Hand energy assistance program

Customers of Rolla Municipal Utilities who need help paying their utility bill can get assistance from Helping Hand. Donations are raised to help dozens (if not hundreds) of families pay their electric, heating, and utility bills on an annual basis. Helping Hand from RMU is run by the energy company as well as Greater Rolla Area Charitable Enterprises, or GRACE.

All of the money paid out from Helping Hands has been donated by the community. 100% of the funds raised, not matter the source of the money, goes to help struggling customers. GRACE and Rolla Municipal Utilities do not take any of the donated money to fund their operations; 100% goes to pay utility bills.

Assistance available

The number of households helped, as well as how much they receive, is strictly based on the money raised. Donations come from individuals, businesses, and charitable fund raisers too. In general, about 100 to 200 families are assisted per year. This can be a household of 1 person or a household of 1 person plus kids, extended family, and/or others.

The amount of financial aid paid out also changes each year. In general, it will be $6,000 to $9,000 per year in total. That money is then divided up by GRACE and paid out to qualified applications. So if there is $6,000 available in a year, and 100 families are founded qualified, then in general they will receive an average of $60 apiece to help pay utility bills. But that amount changes based on many factors – need; money raised; number applications; reason for need; and more.

 

 

Based on those numbers above, it should be obvious that Rolla Municipal Utilities Helping Hand assistance program is not a solution in itself. It was never intended to be. Instead the money raised from donations is intended to be one other option for utility bill assistance. It can be combined with LIHEAP, charitable aid, and other financial resources.

Customers service from Rolla on donating and applying

There are times when families in Rolla Missouri may struggle. Maybe a job loss, disability, cut back in work hours or reduction in income, or some other crisis. If and/or when struggling. Rolla Municipal Utilities Helping Hand energy bill assistance program is out there to help. As a last resort and as an option. But it is not long term, and LIHEAP or weatherization may be better long term low income energy assistance programs.

The customer service team at RMU can provide information. They direct donors on where and how to send their 100% tax deductible contribution. Or they can also direct struggling customers to GRACE for applications for financial aid. The customer service line for Rolla Municipal Utilities is 573.364.1572. Forms are also available at the main RMU office. Or navigate to the Greater Rolla Area Charitable Enterprises website to apply.