By Joe Green, Director, Customer Service, Generation & Substations.
Consider Giving to HeatShare
As we move closer to winter and into colder months, we will see our utility bills increase to heat our homes. For many of us, the higher utility bills are budgeted for and adjustments are made. For some, however, including elderly and disabled, the additional financial burden becomes a struggle.
As a utility, we help our customers by providing rebates, home energy audits and conservation tips to help keep utility bills lower. For customers needing further assistance we offer payment agreements to help budget utility bills from month to month. Those who are still in need will often look to family, friends, churches or social services to get caught up. When government funding is cut, or runs out, and social services are exhausted, people will find their way to the local Salvation Army.
Often times, and with short notice, the Salvation Army has come to the aid of customers in need of help with past due utility bills to avoid disconnection. Their program, HeatShare has been around since 1982 and provides the much needed emergency assistance to local families. Last year the program helped over 4,200 families in Minnesota by providing over $1 million in nongovernment assistance. This past winter, 87 families in Owatonna received assistance totaling $18,111 and since October this year, 16 families have received help from this program. Unfortunately, over the last two years, contributions from Minnesota residents dipped 16% while the need continued to rise.
How can you help?
Hundreds of people in our community, including friends, neighbors and even local businesses, help each year by contributing to HeatShare. You, too, can help by sending a tax deductible contribution. To learn more or donate online, visit www.heatshare.org.
If you would like to send a check, it can be mailed to:
The Salvation Army
2445 Prior Avenue
Roseville, MN 55113
If you’re a customer and have an unexpected emergency or need help, please call 507-437-4566 to find out if you qualify for HeatShare. Customers are eligible if they are homeowners or renters and have an income at or below the 50% state median income level.
As a reminder, the MN Cold Weather Rule was established by the Minnesota legislature to protect tenants unable to pay their utility bill (between October 15 – April 15) and from having their heat disconnected. Customers can avoid being disconnected if they enter into and maintain, a mutually agreed upon payment agreement. Please notify Owatonna Public Utilities as soon as possible if you need to set-up a payment agreement.
To learn more, stop by our offices or visit: www.owatonnautilities.com/residential-customers/cold-weather-protection for more information.