Community

Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program

We do more than just provide electricity – we stick with our customers every step of the way. Today's economy and record-breaking temperatures make it challenging for them, which is why we are glad to fund the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program.

CPL Retail Energy has increased its annual contribution to its bill-assistance program by 20 percent to $600,000. This bill-assistance program has helped more than 570 families since January 1, 2011 who were struggling to pay their electricity bills.

Gracie, a 36-year-old CPL customer, had difficulty paying her electricity bill after an unexpected move with her six children.

"My saving grace was the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program," said Gracie. "It kept me from taking out a loan against my truck, which was all I had to drive the kids to school and back."

Customers may contribute to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program by checking the "bill assistance" box on their monthly bill, located on the tear-off portion of the bill just below the total due. Online-paying customers can help fund this program by checking the "bill assistance" box located under the payment amount in Step 1 and entering the amount they would like to contribute.

Friends and family of CPL Retail Energy customers also can help by liking CPL Energy's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CPLenergy. The company will contribute $1 for every "Like" the page receives from August 9– September 9, 2011.

Through a local community action agency, those who qualify for the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program may receive up to $600 in assistance during a calendar year. Each agency screens applicants and determines who will receive assistance. To qualify, recipients must be CPL Retail Energy customers, reside at the service address and be financially responsible for monthly electricity expenses. They also must meet the income eligibility criteria.

For more information, contact a local community agency.