Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) has contributed an additional $30,000 to the Neighbor to Neighbor program to help people who are struggling to pay their utility bills due to unemployment or hospitalization caused by COVID-19.
"We understand that the pandemic has affected many of our customers in a variety of ways and some may have increased financial struggles," said General Manager / CEO Tony Cannon. "We want to make some assistance available to our neighbors in need."
Neighbor to Neighbor is a partnership between GUC and the Pitt County Department of Social Services (DSS) that traditionally provides heating assistance in the winter.
Since its start in 2001, customers, as well as civic and religious groups, have donated to the program, with GUC matching their amounts up to $20,000 per year. DSS administers the program and distributes the assistance.
This additional $30,000 contribution from GUC to the Neighbor to Neighbor program will provide utility assistance to those in need. Pitt County residents interested in applying for this special assistance should contact the DSS office at 252-902-1110. Find out more about Neighbor to Neighbor, including how you can contribute to the program.
Customers who are having issues paying their utility bill can also request a payment arrangement with GUC to spread out past due amounts over time. They can fill out this form, or call 252-752-7166 to speak with a Customer Service Representative about their specific situation.