Utility launches donation program to help customers struggling with their bills

Most people don’t worry about turning on their heaters in the winter or their air conditioners in the summer. 

But energy bills, when added to other household expenses, can cause some households to fall behind on their utility payments.

Nationally, that scenario impacted 1 out of 6 households, or nearly 20 million families last year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. Collectively, those households owed $19.5 billion, up from $15.7 billion in March 2022.
 
To address this issue locally, Holland Board of Public Works has launched a donation program, called EmPOWER, to support customers encountering economic hardship. Funded through community and customer donations, EmPOWER grants pay customers’ past due bills. 
 
“Providing essential services for every customer sometimes requires innovative solutions,” says Holland BPW General Manager Dave Koster. “Holland is a generous community, and the EmPOWER program is a creative solution to match customers who want to give back with customers who may have foregone paying their utility bill this month to pay for an unexpected expense.” 
 
Donation options

Holland BPW customers who wish to donate have the option to add a regular monthly donation directly to their bill. Customers can visit the Holland BPW website to sign up for donations in the amounts of $1, $5 or $10 per month. Those wishing to make a one-time gift may do so by cash or check at the Holland BPW Service Center. 
 
While Holland BPW regularly connects customers with community agencies to provide utility assistance, the EmPOWER program prioritizes BPW customers who may not meet the criteria for financial assistance from other agencies. Families who are eligible for EmPOWER funds, in households designated as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) by the United Way, typically earn more than the federal poverty level but may not have enough to meet basic needs.  
 
To ensure ALICE households have the support they need, Community Action House qualifies Holland BPW customers to receive funds through EmPOWER. “We’re thrilled that our partners at BPW are launching their EmPOWER program, and we’re so glad that our team can lend expertise to connect neighbors to such a critical resource,” says Community Action House CEO Scott Rumpsa.  
 
Learn more about the program or how to donate at hollandbpw.com/empower.