Alabama Power supports customers in Lee County with helpful energy efficiency tips, grant resources

Because summer is not quite over, the One Voice Shelter Coalition hosted 30 nonprofit organizations recently to explore Alabama Power’s home energy efficiency programs and discuss critical support needs for Lee County residents.

One Voice Shelter provides temporary and transitional housing for working individuals, women and families experiencing homelessness who struggle to find aid through traditional channels.

Jean Causey, co-founder and CEO of the shelter, meets monthly with nonprofit organizations to address needs throughout the county.

“Anytime is the right time to prepare and find practical ways to manage energy, especially during the peak of summer,” Causey said. “I met Alabama Power community relations manager Rod Cater more than 20 years ago when he did an energy presentation. After hearing him speak at an event, I kept his business card all these years and decided to give him a call.”

“To meet Ms. Causey again after all these years was a full-circle moment,” said Cater. “Whenever there is an opportunity to educate people about energy usage, I really enjoy it.”

Alongside other guest speakers, Cater spoke about Alabama Power resources and services designed to empower attendees with education about how to wisely and efficiently consume energy in the home.

Other speakers included Stacy Bathrick, member of One Voice Coalition; Joe Davis, director of Good News Rapid Rehousing; Barbara Graddy, mobility manager of Lee-Russell Council of Governments; and Yarbi Cound, social work coordinator of Opelika Police Department.

Cater kicked off his presentation with some thoughtful home efficiency reminders. He recommended turning your thermostat as high as you can in the summer, as low as you can in the winter and keeping your lights turned off. He also emphasized how important it is to have the proper amount of insulation in your attic.

Cater said, “The Alabama Power Foundation and Alabama Power websites offer great resources specifically for nonprofits that a lot of people do not realize.” 

Rod Cater’s presentation included:

Alabama Power Foundation Grants

Grants are available in five core focus areas: educational advancement, civic and community development, arts and cultural enrichment, health and human services, and environmental stewardship.

Energy Assistance Grants 

The Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund was established by Alabama Power to help meet the energy needs of Alabamians. The ABC Trust has partnered with community action agencies, nonprofits and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to help pay energy bills, conduct weatherization projects and support basic human needs. The program offers Efficiency Forward Grants, Home Forward Grants, Emergency Assistance Programs, ABC Trust Community Grant Programs and the Dorothy Crosby Legacy Award.

Payment Assistance Programs

There are several Payment Assistance Programs and tools available to assist customers who are having trouble paying their power bill. Options are the Energy Assistant, financial assistance, energy assistance portal and community action agencies.

Special Needs Assistance Programs

Programs for customers with Special Needs, including alternate payment dates for those who rely on monthly government checks. Braille and large-print bills, as well as telecommunications services for the deaf, are also available.

Low Income Assistance Programs

Customers receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid for Low Income Families (MLIF) may qualify for discounts. These include $14.50 toward the customer charge and exemption from certain state utility license tax fees.

Project Share

In partnership with the Salvation Army, Project SHARE helps low-income Alabamians who are ages 60 and over or disabled pay winter energy bills. In summer, those with medical emergencies may also qualify if funds are available. Apply at your local Salvation Army office or by calling 205-328-2420.

Payment Arrangements

Alabama Power works with customers to arrange extended payments when they find themselves temporarily unable to pay their power bill. There are several ways customers can make arrangements. Login to alabamapower.com, visit an Alabama Power business office or call customer service at 1-800-245-2244.

Cater closed the event with a question-and-answer session.

“It was a privilege to be able to share energy efficiency information and financial resources to this group of people,” he said. “Hopefully, they can pass it along to people in the community who they are assisting that may need a little extra help in paying a bill and in making their homes more energy efficient. Alabama Power was founded on lifting up the communities we serve, and providing information like this is just one of many ways the company does that.”

Follow this link to learn more about the One Voice Shelter Coalition.

For the complete list of resources and services, visit alabamapower.com or powerofgood.com.

 

Related energy efficiency information:

Energy answers.

Know Your Power: Your Guide to Summer Energy Usage.

Customer rates frozen through 2027.