You may qualify for the Juneau Unplugged Relief fund during our energy crisis

Because power costs are expected to jump as much as 500 percent as a result of the avalanche that knocked out AEL&P's connection to the Snettisham hydroelectric project, the Juneau Unplugged Household Electric Relief Program will offer financial assistance to households that qualify based on income levels. The fund will help those Juneau residents who have a gross income under 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines adjusted for Alaska.

Several agencies that already work with qualified residents are sending letters to their eligible clients in order to streamline the fund's application process, and copies of the letters will need to go with the Juneau Unplugged applications. People who qualify for Juneau Unplugged but don't participate in other income-based social programs need to submit a copy of their IRS 1040 or 1040A forms or proof of income for the past month with their applications.

Juneau Unplugged is funded by $1 million from the City and Borough of Juneau, and other relief agencies have been adding to the fund. The fund will be administered by the United Way of Southeast Alaska and by Catholic Community Service. Individuals and businesses wanting to add to the fund can make donations at any of the 17 KeyBank locations in Alaska, and KeyBank will match donations up to $5,000. Money from this fund can only be used to pay AEL&P bills.

Applications are available at all three Juneau libraries, the Valley Job Service Center, the AEL&P Office and Catholic Community Service downtown. Applicants will need to include a copy of their first post-May 16 bill, which shows the avalanche-related increase. Due to different billing cycles, some residents may not receive their bill showing the first avalanche-related increase until June, but every eligible resident will be served. Incentives will encourage residents to conserve energy.

To find out if you qualify, or to learn more about the program and to get applications, call 463-6130, e-mail unplugged@ccsjuneau.org or go to:

• United Way of Southeast Alaska
  www.unitedwayseak.org
• Catholic Community Service
  www.ccsjuneau.org
• Alaska Electric, Light & Power (AEL&P)
  www.aelp.com
• City and Borough of Juneau
  www.juneau.org

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Copyright © 2008, SEARHC
SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium