Utility assistance offered for paying electric bills

OG & E is reminding Oklahomans of different resources available for those who seek assistance with paying utilities.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - OG&E wants Oklahomans to know about different resources available for those who seek assistance with paying utilities.

From individuals such as seniors, to those experiencing temporary hardships or families with low income, during Home Energy Aid Month in July, OG&E encourages customers who may have a difficult time paying their energy bill to learn about the company’s assistance programs to see if they qualify.

"We know the summer months can be difficult for some of our customers to pay their electric bill,” said Kelli Hayward Walsh, OG&E Community Outreach & Engagement Manager. “Our customers have a long history of joining with OG&E to help one another out through Lend-A-Hand, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with other organizations in the community to meet our customers’ needs.”

OG&E’s financial aid, energy saving programs and payment options include:

• Silver Energy Discount gives qualified Oklahoma seniors age 65+ who enroll in any SmartHours plan a $10 monthly credit in June through October and a $5 monthly credit for all other months of the year. That's $85 in savings each year.
• Weatherization and home energy efficiency programs provide customers with upgrades to their homes that reduce energy usage and lower bills at no out-of-pocket cost. Homeowners and renters alike may be eligible for these programs.
• Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) gives qualified OG&E customers a $13 per month credit on their bill.
• Direct financial assistance from OG&E to nonprofit organizations for qualifying customers in our service area who need help paying their energy bills.

“There’s been times that it’s been really rough,” commented one OG&E customer in a recent survey. "[OG&E] has been able to work with me and help me out. They have good programs where I can be able to pay my bill and not worry about my service being disconnected.", according to OG & E officials.

In addition to the programs directly offered by OG&E, the company is also partnering with local nonprofits to offer several programs for customers experiencing hardships.

OG&E’s Lend-A-Hand program provides energy bill assistance from OG&E customers and company donations. The program, administered by The Salvation Army, allows OG&E customers to donate money when they pay their OG&E bill that is distributed to qualified customers who need help paying their bills throughout the year.

Visit OGE.com/Assistance to learn more about how you or someone you know can get help with your electric bill.