Not everyone can afford the extra costs of keeping their homes heated during an extra cold winter. Some customers short of funding will try to tough it out with sweaters and blankets; others will keep the power going but fail to be able to keep up with their bills, which can lead to credit collections or even service disconnects.
Jefferson County PUD started the Rainy Day Fund in 2013 to help its customers stay warm and dry no matter the temperature or income level. The motto of the program is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” PUD customers volunteer to pay extra on their own bill to help lower the bills of others.
There are two ways to give:
- Round-up to the nearest dollar each month by checking the box below the Rainy Day image on the back of your paper bill. Your 15, 28, or 74 cent donation may not seem like much individually, but combined with our other 20,000 customers, it could do a lot of good for the hundreds of your neighbors who need help during our cold wet winter months or all year long.
- Make a one-time donation. You can also add any additional amount from $5 to $5000 on your monthly bill as either a one time or monthly donation to the Rainy Day Fund. Write in the amount at the bottom of the bill stub as indicated in the picture to the right (or below if on a mobile phone).
You can also sign up for monthly or one time donations on Smart Hub.
The PUD partners with Olympic Community Action Program (OlyCAP) [360 385-2571] and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul [360 379-1325] to distribute the funds to qualifying low income families, individuals, and seniors. The PUD does not deduct any administrative costs from your donations.
For more information on how to give or receive funding call our Customer Service department at (360) 385-5800. Donations are tax deductible. Help us help keep everyone in Jefferson County warm and dry this winter. Thank you for helping to make this a community that cares!
