Payment Assistance Fund Helps Keep Utility Services On for Residents in Need
Posted on: Dec-10-2019
Shorter days and colder weather lead to higher utility bills, and having the utilities turned off for nonpayment is a reality for many Fort Collins residents.
To help, Fort Collins Utilities provides emergency financial assistance through the Payment Assistance Fund (PAF) to customers who have past-due accounts. Many times, receiving this assistance means that families don’t have to choose between buying food and having electricity or water.
Jim, a PAF recipient, worked his entire life and retired, planning to live modestly. But when his wife had a medical crisis, their finances were wiped out and life as they knew it was turned upside down.
“We were getting back on our feet on a small income, but we fell behind on our utility bills and couldn’t get out of that hole,” Jim said. In his time of need, Jim turned to Utilities and Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) for help. Through assistance from the PAF, Jim and his wife were able to catch up on their overdue utility bill and get back on track.
“The program helped us get caught up [on our electric bill] and we are more stable now,” he said.
Jim and his wife are not alone in their struggle. With increasingly high housing costs, unexpected medical crises and life's regular curveballs, many local families and individuals struggle to pay their electric and water bills. Often, the need for assistance exceeds the available resources and people are turned away. Because of this, we are asking for your help.
You can help those in need with a monthly or one-time donation to Utilities’ Payment Assistance Fund. Every donation is matched dollar-for-dollar by Energy Outreach Colorado and 100% of donations assist families and individuals in our community. All donations, no matter the size, make a difference.
Visit fcgov.com/payment-assistance to learn more about how to apply for assistance. To make a donation, visit fcgov.com/paf, call 970-212-2900, V/TDD 711 or stop by the service counter at 222 Laporte Ave.
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Lisa Schroers, Affordability Program Specialist
- 970-416-2032
- lschroers@fcgov.com
Did You Know?
Turning off lights and appliances when not in use saves energy
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