WakeHELPS, a new financial assistance program, is designed to help Wake County residents pay past due utility bills. | Stock Photo
WakeHELPS, a new financial assistance program, is designed to help Wake County residents pay past due utility bills. | Stock Photo
Wake County has created a new financial assistance program to help residents struggling to pay their utility bills as a result of COVID-19's economic impact.
The WakeHELPS will provide up to $500 to families who need help paying their energy- and water-related bills, at a time of a pandemic and excessive heat at times.
"In the city of Raleigh for example, roughly 10,000 customers owe $125 or more on their water bills," Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Greg Ford told WTVD ABC 11 news on Aug. 3. "And Duke Energy says roughly 13,000 customers own a total of about $5.1 million in unpaid power bills."
A total of $5 million in federal money has been set aside and will be awarded in increments up to $500 to pay past due utility costs dating back to March 1. Residents can apply for financial assistance online at the WakeHELPS website.
Ford told WTVD ABC 11 news that the program will accept applications until October.
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