If you’re struggling to pay your Kentucky Power bill, there are several steps you can take to lower your monthly costs and save money. We’ve even found programs and organizations that can help you pay your past-due balances and avoid disconnection if you’re having a hard time financially.
Kentucky Power Assistance Programs
There are many assistance programs offered by Kentucky Power that can help customers lower their bills and save money on their utility costs. These programs are only available to Kentucky Power residential customers.
Average Monthly Plan
With Kentucky Power’s Average Monthly Payment Plan (AMP), you can stabilize your monthly bill into twelve roughly equal payments.
The amount isn’t exactly the same each month. In fact, the amount due may fluctuate slightly each month as rate increases and usage are factored in. Each month, you’re paying the average of the last 12 months… so each month, the oldest bill is removed and the new bill’s usage is added.
This ensures that you won’t be surprised by a high deficit settlement. In fact, Kentucky Power doesn’t require any settlements unless you terminate your service!
Payment Extensions & Arrangements
If you need a little more time to pay your bill, Kentucky Power will allow you to request a payment extension that can help you delay your due date. If you need a more long-term solution, you can divide your current balance over the next several months through a payment arrangement.
The option you choose will depend on the balance you owe and your specific needs. You can see automatic options for extensions and arrangements when you log into your Kentucky Power account.
Medical Certificates
According to the Kentucky Power Customer’s Handbook, customers who need their electric service for health reasons can receive a 30-day extension on their bill if they file a medical certificate with the company.
Your medical certificate must be either on a specific form offered by the company or a letter written on letterhead from a licensed physician. The letter must state that “discontinuation of electric service would be detrimental to the health of a resident of the household.” Basically, it needs to say that shutting off the service would put someone in your household at a health risk.
A medical certificate does not mean that you do not have to pay your bill. It just gives you 30 more days to come up with the money before your service will be disconnected.
Home Energy Assistance in Reduced Temperatures (HEART)
You can get up to $115 per month toward your Kentucky Power bill during January, February, March and April through the HEART Program! This program provides qualifying customers with $115 per month toward their electric heating costs. If you do not rely on electric heat, you could receive $58 per month through this program.
To receive these funds, you will need to contact your local Community Action Agency for assistance.
Temporary Heating Assistance in Winter (THAW)
You could receive up to $175 toward your Kentucky Power bills if you are experiencing a financial hardship! This program runs from January until April, or until the designated funds run out.
In order to receive these funds, you will need to demonstrate financial hardship to your your local Community Action Agency. The agency will determine your eligibility and award amount.
Government Assistance for Kentucky Power Bills
There are federal and state programs that can help you pay your utility bills as well! These programs are available throughout Kentucky and are not exclusive for Kentucky Power customers.
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can pay a certain amount toward your Kentucky Power bills every year. This program can also offer crisis assistance if you have a past-due bill or you are at risk of disconnection.
To apply for this program, you will need to contact your Community Action Agency.
Weatherization Services
The Kentucky Weatherization Assistance Program may be able to help improve the energy efficiency of your home. They may be able to provide assistance with insulation, window replacements, and some repairs.
The weatherization services are coordinated by Kentucky Community Action. You’ll need to contact them (or one of their partner agencies) for more information about how to apply for this program.
Community Assistance Programs
Of course, companies and government agencies aren’t the only ones who can help you with your Kentucky Power bills. There are many churches, charities and other nonprofits that can also assist you.
Boyd County CAReS
This organization can provide assistance with all or part of your electric bill if you are at risk of having your utilities disconnected. You will need to bring your past-due Kentucky Power bill, as well as your previous two billing statements.
You must be a resident of Boyd, Carter or Greenup County in order to receive assistance from this organization.
Helping Hands of Greenup County
Helping Hands of Greenup County can provide up to $100 toward your Kentucky Power bill. However, you must have a disconnection notice and you must find other resources to find the rest of the bill. You can only receive help once every 12 months from this program.
This agency also assists with medications, clothing, school supplies, clothing, Christmas assistance and more.
People Helping People
People Helping People can provide up to $50 toward your Kentucky Power bill if you have a disconnect notice. You can only get help once every 12 months. You must be able to pay the remainder of the bill before they’ll pay their portion.
The money is raised through the organization’s bingo games.
How to Apply for Help with Kentucky Power Bills
Most of the financial assistance programs described in this article are managed by Community Action Agencies throughout Kentucky. In order to apply or get more information, you will need to contact the agency in charge of your county’s funds.
Agency | Counties Served | Phone |
Big Sandy Area Community Action Program (BSACAP) | Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike | 606-789-3641 |
Gateway Community Action Agency (GCAA) | Morgan and Rowan | 800-927-1833 |
LKLP Community Action Council (LKLP) | Knott, Letcher, Leslie, Perry | 606-785-3322 |
Middle Kentucky Community Action Partnership (MKCAP) | Breathitt and Owsley | 606-666-5902 |
Northeast Kentucky Community Action Agency (NKCAA) | Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Lawrence and Greenup | 606-286-4443 |
Summary
Paying power bills can be challenging for many households, but Kentucky Power offers several programs and resources to help customers who need assistance. These programs include payment arrangements, deferred payment plans, and medical certificates. In addition, government programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Kentucky Weatherization Assistance Program can provide financial assistance with energy bills, free energy audits, or weatherization services. Community-based organizations such as the Community Action Council or local non-profit organizations can also provide emergency financial assistance, energy efficiency upgrades, or education on energy-saving behaviors. By taking advantage of these resources, customers can find the best fit for their needs and reduce the burden of their Kentucky Power bills.