Paying for power.

Byline: SCOTT MABEN The Register-Guard

Lane County power providers hope now more than ever that their customers will reach out to help their neighbors keep the lights and heat on.

The Eugene Water & Electric Board is urging people to give to Energy Share, either by tacking a few extra dollars onto their bills or by writing checks for a lump sum. The program collects about $125,000 a year, or an average of $1.71 for each EWEB household. That's enough for emergency bill relief for about 1,000 homes.

But the need is far greater, said Chuck Dalton, EWEB's customer relations manager. He estimates there are about 16,000 lower-income households in EWEB's service area, which includes Santa Clara and reaches up the McKenzie River.

"There has never been enough to assist all the folks requesting help," Dalton said.

And this year, even before winter has officially begun, EWEB has tapped nearly all of the money it raised for this winter.

"Pretty much what is coming in the door is going back out again," Dalton said.

Only about 4 percent or 5 percent of EWEB customers give at all to Energy Share. If everyone gave just $1 a month, Dalton said, the crisis would be averted.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society allocates Energy Share money under a contract with EWEB. The one-time grants help people keep up with their utility payments, said Gaylene Glidewell, the program coordinator.

"It's to help people who, due to losing their job or having an illness in the family, need to get through a hard time until they can get on their feet again," Glidewell said. "It's not meant to be a constant supplement to their income."

Recipients also are coached on how to lower their bills through conservation and weatherization.

"Giving a dollar or two on your electric bills just makes such an incredible impact in the community to help individuals keep their lights on," she said.

EWEB also has increased its budget for low-income energy assistance. When commissioners approved raising residential electric rates 36 percent starting Oct. 1, $2.5 million of the additional revenue was set aside to help those struggling to pay their bills. But the money won't be available until March, after the coldest months have passed.

The Springfield Utility Board also anticipates a greater need for low-income emergency assistance this year. It added $15,000 to match what it raises from customers for Project SHARE (Springfielders Helping Area Residents in Emergencies).

Coordinated through Catholic Community Services of Lane County, the SUB program offers households up to $100 a year.

The Emerald People's Utility District has set aside $121,000 for rate relief for seniors and the disabled. The Lane County Human Services Commission will distribute those funds to EPUD customers who qualify.

- Scott Maben

UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE

Federal funds: To check on the status of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds, call 682-3835

Cutting use: For the Regional Energy Assistance Challenge, a program providing weatherization, conservation and energy education services to help households lower electricity use, call 682-3383

EWEB: For Energy Share, call the St. Vincent de Paul Society at 689-6747

SUB: For Project SHARE, call Catholic Community Services of Lane County at 345-3628

EPUD: For the Emerald Rate Assistance Program, call 682-3383

Lane Electric Cooperative: For the Members Assistance Program, call the Salvation Army at 343-3328

Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative: For Blachly-Lane Electric Share, call the Salvation Army at 343-3328

Central-Lincoln Public Utility District: For SOS energy assistance program, call Siuslaw Area Women's Center, 997-3414 (seniors call 997-8251, Ext. 226)