Energy bill help from Talquin Assistance Program (TAP)

Members of Talquin Electric Cooperative (who number over 50,000 people) can get emergency utility bill assistance. There are funds available from the TAP program (as donations allow).. It is a resource available that is a last resort, at in generally helps hundreds of families each and every year pay a part of their past due energy bills.

Since the program was created in late 2000s, tens of thousands of dollars have been collected from the community. This is all done from a Round Up service, in which members of Talquin contribute money each month to TAP. 100% of the funds collected go to help low income families, the working poor, elderly, and others pay their utility bills. A big use of the money is to keep air conditioners on during the summer months, as this is when electric costs tend to be the highest.

Talquin Assistance Program is an emergency program. It is for special hardship cases only, such as when someone has an unexpected loss of short term income. Or maybe a customer is sick and misses work, so falls behind on their utilities. Or they are struggling due to a divorce of death of loved one. In all cases, the donations from the members are only for special circumstances.

If a customer needs long term utility bill assistance, then the cooperate can refer members to local community action agencies in Florida. Those organizations have applications for LIHEAP or other benefit programs. Or they can learn about cash aid in Florida, which will also assist the less fortunate, families in poverty, and others.

But short term help is what TAP is for. As noted, it relies on rounded up donations. As noted, the amounts collected from the community are small, and may average several to $12 per year. But many people contribute money to it each month, so that allows hundreds of customers to get electric bill and other assistance each year.

 

 

Since it is donations too, the cooperative (as well as Capital Area Community Action Agency which helps oversee it) ensure all the money is used wisely. Only the truly deserving may get emergency financial help. In addition, case management and other resources are also combined with the assistance.

Appointments are needed to get energy bill help, and Talquin Electric Cooperative runs it with the local community action agency. So they collect donations, refer and help low income families apply for LIHEAP, and also provide other resources. Budgeting and case management, as well as energy conservation programs, are also given along with financial aid. The contact information for TAP and other assistance is the Capital Area Community Action Agency, and the intake line is (850) 222-2043.