Huntsville Utilities looking to help those with high utility bills

Deidra Brisco
·2 min read
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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — In the Winter it’s common for utility bills to spike, but some customers in Huntsville say they’re seeing a monthly charge of roughly $100 more than their usual payments.

“I went online so I can see what my bill was so I can pay it but then when I pulled this up and I’m thinking how in the world,” Huntsville Resident Barbara Wright said.

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Wright received what she calls a shocking utility bill when her usual rate jumped more than a hundred dollars for December. She lives alone in her home and she tries to limit the use of her thermostat and appliances as much as she can.

Yet, Wright said she received a nearly 400 utility bill for December.

“With all the lights off and your house coat on because you know if you turn that thing up, you know what’s gonna happen,” Wright said. “You wait. You got a washer back there but you wait, you go to the laundry mat….because if you use that, it’s gonna go up.”

She is on a fixed income and she says if this trend continues, she won’t be able to maintain her quality of life.

News 19 asked Huntsville Utilities how people like Barbara can get help and the answer is she can receive it from other customers.

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“Our customers have the opportunity to give to Project Share each month and then those customers who are in need of assistance that are certified as disabled elderly and low income can apply through the Salvation Army for assistance through Project Share,” Gary Whitley with Huntsville Utilities said.

Project Share is a partnership between Huntsville Utilities and The Salvation Army. You can donate to Project Share monthly on your utility bill or you can mail a check for Project Share along with your utility bill.

Anyone interested in Project Share can contact the Salvation Army for an appointment to discuss if they qualify for the program.

Other assistance programs include Community Action Partnership, Catholic Center for Concern and Huntsville Assistance Program.

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