Project Share

Lewis County PUD Launches Voluntary Low Income Energy Assistance Program:

At the Lewis County PUD Commission meeting on Monday, December 3, 2001, the Board of Commissioners approved implementation of a low-income energy assistance program, called "Project Share." The program provides a mechanism for customers to make voluntary contributions for low-income energy assistance for needy customers. The PUD will contract with the Community Action Council for administration and distribution of the funds to qualified low-income residential customers.

The purpose of Project Share is to help low-income customers who are struggling to pay their electric bill. Times can be especially hard during harsh winters and particularly with the recent PUD retail rate increases.

The PUD will collect the contributions, but the Community Action Council (CAC) will determine eligibility and distribute the funds. PUD personnel currently refer customers to CAC in need of assistance, and any voluntary funds contributed locally will allow CAC to make their energy assistance dollars go farther for PUD customers.

Lewis County PUD customers will be able to make contributions to Project Share beginning with their December 2001 electrical bills.