Mississippi Power Foundation gives $350,000 toward customer assistance as temperatures continue to rise

Gulfport, Miss. – Mississippi Power is again announcing a plan to relieve pressure on customers in need as forecasters predict a hotter-than-average summer.
The Mississippi Power Foundation is donating $350,000 to United Way to assist customers in need with their electric bills during the state’s hottest months of the year. This is the second year the Foundation, which is funded by the company’s shareholders, has made a donation toward customer bill assistance. Mississippi Power customers from the company’s 23-county service territory are eligible to apply for assistance.
“Today’s challenging economic conditions are impacting every household, so we want to provide the support and tools for our customers to manage their energy costs,” said Mississippi Power President and CEO Anthony Wilson. “We saw the impact this contribution made last year and hope that our customers will again take advantage of this opportunity to find some relief in their family budgets.”
Mississippi Power customers across the Coast with a demonstrated financial need can apply by reaching out to United Way of South Mississippi, which will administer the funds through Catholic Charities. Mississippi Power customers can contact Catholic Charities directly at 228-701-0555.
“At United Way, we’re committed to helping our communities at a very local level and we would not be able to do that without our partner, Mississippi Power,” said United Way of South Mississippi Executive Director Kathy Springer. “We were able to help thousands of people last year from the donation that they provided. We’ll get to do the same again this year, and we’re thankful for that opportunity.”
“Our team is committed to serving our customers in all types of weather, and we recognize the toll extreme heat can take on their households,” said Coast Division Manager Mark Loughman. “Thanks to our longtime partnership with United Way, we’ll be able to provide assistance to families when they need it the most.”
This bill relief effort is part of the Mississippi Power Foundation’s Project SHARE program. In this program, customers and employees alike give to Project SHARE to support bill assistance, and the Foundation matches those customer funds each month. For more information on Project SHARE, and to sign up to assist your neighbors, please click here.
Customers can better manage their energy usage by following these energy efficiency tips:
- Set your thermostat to 78° F for maximum energy savings.
- Close blinds and curtains during the day to block the sun’s heat.
- Seal air leaks around doors, windows and other gaps.
- Use small appliances such as microwaves, crockpots or toaster ovens instead of the oven when possible.