Mississippi Power is giving back to help customers in need not only weather the sweltering temperatures but also soaring energy bills.
Now, in the midst of the hottest month of the year throughout the company’s 23-county service area, near-constant air conditioning units often turn into a pricier monthly bill. To help those unable to pay, Mississippi Power announced that its foundation is donating $350,000 to nonprofit United Way that will be reserved for customers in need of financial assistance.
“Mississippi Power has been by our customers’ sides for 100 years – ready to assist after a natural disaster or during extreme temperatures,” Mississippi Power president and CEO Pedro Cherry said. “Thanks to our strong partnership with United Way, we’re able to offer our customers assistance when they may need it the most.”
“A relentless heat wave has created an extreme situation for some of our customers, and we hope this assistance will relieve some of the financial pressures they’re facing right now.”
Mississippi Power customers with a demonstrated financial need can contact the following to apply for bill assistance:
- Coast, Hattiesburg, Laurel, and surrounding area customers: United Way of South Mississippi via Catholica Charities at (228) 701-0555.
- Meridian and surrounding area customers: United Way of East Mississippi via Multi-County Community Service Agency at (601) 483-4838.
“We appreciate the strong partnership we have with Mississippi Power and their recognition of the need we have here in our community,” United Way of East Mississippi executive director and CEO Kym Parnell said. “Requests for energy assistance always increase this time of year, so we know these funds will help families right here in Mississippi.”
“The great thing about United Way is that donations like this are returned directly to the families and communities we serve which allows us to make tremendous, localized impacts,” United Way of South Mississippi CEO Kathy Springer added. “We are able to help thousands of people each year, and we would not be able to do so without Mississippi Power’s support.”
The donation is part of the Mississippi Power Foundation’s Project SHARE program, which is a year-round initiative accepting donations from the company’s employees and customers to support bill assistance. The company matches the funds raised at the end of each month.
Mississippi Power also provided the following tips to customers who want to stay cool this summer while also saving energy:
- Close blinds and curtains during the day to block the sun’s heat.
- Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and other gaps.
- Use larger appliances like washers, dryers, ovens, and dishwashers during early-morning hours or in the evening after the sun has set.
- Bump up the thermometer as high as comfortable. Increase the thermometer by a couple degrees before leaving home.
