Agencies Join Together
To Help With Utility Costs

May 28, 2009
Due to the increase in the cost of utility services and the current status of the economy, more and more people are seeking assistance with utility services. Because of this increase, utility companies, several non-profit agencies and local churches have joined efforts to launch a county-wide campaign to raise funds.

The goal of Util-Assist is to seek funding to help provide assistance to any deserving resident in Marshall County that due to no fault of their own has found themselves in a situation where they cannot afford to pay their monthly utility bill. A second part of the goal is to educate the public about measures they can take to reduce their use of all utilities.

Each utility company will ensure that the funds collected in their area will help people of that area. For example, funds collected by MUB will be used to help residents of Albertville; funds collected by Guntersville Electric Board will be used to help residents of the Guntersville service; those collected in the Arab community will be used for residents of that community; and funds collected by Marshall DeKalb will be used for those in that community. Each utility company will decide whether they manage the funds or make donations to non-profit agencies that provide these services.

Util-Assist committee members are asking that each person add at least $1 to their monthly bill. More will be welcome but if everyone who pays a utility bill would add $1, no one in our community would be without. Pledge cards are being placed throughout the county in churches, utility companies, and various other public places. To do your share, please complete and sign a pledge card and return to your local electric company.

For more information call your local electric company or Jeannie Wallace at Family Resource Center at 279-0046.