Submitted by Orcas Power and Light Cooperative.

OPALCO offers monthly bill credits for members from low-income households through the Energy Assist program. Energy Assist gives qualified members a credit of $30-$60 per month (depending on household size), and the same amount can be applied to a Rock Island bill for internet services, too. However, members must renew their Energy Assist participation each year: the bill credit expires every April 30.

To renew your Energy Assist bill credit, complete the easy application online (https://www.opalco.com/about-your-account/energy-assistance-program/energy-assist-faq/) and provide documentation of your qualification – which can be Medicaid, SSDI, SNAP, free/reduced school lunch, San Juan County Senior/Disabled Tax Exemption, LIHEAP, Project PAL or other assistance program. If you need help filling out your application, go to your island family resource center or call us at 360-376-3500.

Funding for Energy Assist comes from a line item on all co-op members’ bills and also from Community Solar production credits that were donated to the program by participating members. It’s the co-op way to share the load and help address the unmet needs of our membership.