Consider Supporting the Neighbor to Neighbor Program
By Rodger Nichols
While the holiday season is full of joy, it also comes with chilly weather. With the cold comes higher heating bills, which can be a struggle on top of the other many demands of the season.
For decades, Northern Wasco County PUD has encouraged its customers to be part of the solution with the Neighbor to Neighbor program.
Neighbor to Neighbor uses tax-deductible contributions from PUD customers—matched by the utility—to help people with limited income pay their power bills. The money may help pay a security deposit, bring current a past-due bill to avoid disconnection or get the power turned back on after it has been disconnected.
Neighbor to Neighbor is for emergencies only and may be used up to twice a year for those with no other place to turn. Mid-Columbia Community Action Council verifies eligibility and disburses 100% of the collected funds to local households.
You can sign up by completing a Neighbor to Neighbor donation form on Northern Wasco County PUD’s website to make a one-time payment, have a small monthly contribution automatically added to your bill each month or have your bill rounded up to the nearest dollar amount, with the extra change going to the program. You can also contribute by writing a check to Neighbor to Neighbor and mailing it to the NWCPUD office or dropping it in a payment box.
The PUD also has a tradition of sponsoring fundraisers. This year, it is raffling off a Christmas tree decorated with angels. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. They are for sale at the PUD office at 2345 River Road in The Dalles. The winner is drawn December 14.
