Through an emergency relief fund, La Plata Electric Association has disbursed nearly $65,000 to more than 860 customers in need since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the electric co-op announced Tuesday.
The LPEA board of directors approved in March 2020 a $50,000 emergency relief fund amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund helped more than 430 members and 24 small businesses struggling to pay bills because of pandemic-related financial hardships.
That money was exhausted this month, LPEA said.
A separate fund, the annual Giving Tree Program, also collected a record $14,500 to help more than 400 members struggling to pay their LPEA bills. The program, in which members can donate to other members in need, raised $3,500 more than last year.
“It’s been really heartening to see the outpouring of support within our community during recent times of need,” LPEA Member Service Manager Aubrey Gillespie said in a statement. “These have been difficult times for so many people, and it’s been our absolute pleasure and honor to help them with the funds allocated by our board and donated by our members. We are really blessed to live in this community.”
LPEA said assistance money is available through other means for members still struggling to pay their bills. Anyone who needs help is encouraged to call LPEA for details or visit lpea.coop/late-payments-and-bill-pay-assistance.