Higher energy bills may have resulted from December’s lower temperatures combined with more time at home and the holidays. Orcas Power and Light has a program that allows those who can afford to do so to assist other Orcas residents with high energy bills.

With Project PAL, community members round up their electric bills to the next whole dollar or can donate money independently to assist others. For those in need of assistance, Project PAL applications are available at OPALCO offices, or by calling 376-3500.

According to OPALCO 50 percent of the funds are designated for seniors and low income disabled residents and the other half are available to residents who meet the guidelines available at www.opalco.com/prodsvcs/pal.htm and whom are approved by the volunteer council.

OPALCO offers free energy audits to help identify areas of potential savings for all their members by scheduling an appointment at 376-3571. More ideas on how to improve energy efficiency and save money are available at www.opalco.com.