As the cold weather rule comes to an end local residents who are at risk of getting their utility services disconnected could end up receiving assistance from their own community.

Since 1982 some Kansas City Power & Light customers have been helping low income families with their utilities bill through the company’s Dollar-Aide program. The program is a way for individuals wanting to help those in need make one-time or monthly contributions for families to pay their heating, cooling and water bills during hard times.  KCP&L also matches 50 cents for every dollar contributed.

“In the 33 years that we’ve done this program we’ve help more than 11,000 households and that’s about $4.6-million,” said Courtney Hughley a spokesperson with KCP&L “The United Way of St. Joe is who distributes those funds there in that area. The way that that works is anyone who lives in northwest Missouri or works in northwest Missouri that gives Dollar-Aide those funds go directly back into that community.”

Kylee Strough, United Way of St. Joseph President said there are several different programs that help to fund utility assistance programs; Dollar-Aide is just one of those programs.  She said funds come into the United Way and are distributed to Community Action Partnership, InterServ, Maryville, and United Services in Kansas City.

“Last year it was just over $2,500,” Strough said. “A year ago with a payment InterServ got they were able to help five different households and the average assistance was right around $100.”

She said there are many other programs that also help provide utility assistance to those in need.

“People who answer the phones at those organizations will work to find out what residents qualify for,” Strough said.

The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule, designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills ended March 31.  After that deadline utility customers who have fallen behind on their bills could be at risk of getting their utility services disconnected. Strough said individuals who need assistance should call United Way’s information and referral agency: Northwest Missouri Community Services (816) 364-1131.

“We see people needing assistance all year round,” said Hughley

She said individuals who want to help out with utility services funding by donating through KCP&L can do so by calling (888) 471-5275.