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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024

Ocala Electric Utility offers COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program

Ocala Electric Utility is providing a COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for customers.

The program is designed to aid residential electric customers who have been affected by the pandemic. Customers who have consistently paid their bills on time prior to March 16 but were furloughed and are having difficulties paying the electric portion of their municipal service statement may qualify. A total of $75,000 is available from the conservation fund administered by the Florida Municipal Power Agency.

Customers who qualify for assistance will have a credit applied to the electric portion of their municipal service balance in the amount of $125. The COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program will aid approximately 600 customers.

To receive assistance, the following criteria must be met:

  • Customer must submit a signed application;
  • The account must bill electric service; other municipal services are not included;
  • The account has not been delinquent in the 12 months prior to March 16;
  • The customer has not received any bill payment subsidy from the City of Ocala Electric Utility or any other agency during the past 12 months;
  • The customer has not defaulted on any payment extensions or payment arrangements within the past 12 months;
  • The maximum amount available per customer is $125; any remaining account balance is the responsibility of the account holder.
  • The customer understands the Ocala Electric Utility COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program is distributed on a first come, first served basis until funds are exhausted.“COVID-19 has taken a financial toll on our community,” said Eric Weaver, interim director of Ocala Electric Utility. “We C.A.R.E. (Communities Are the Responsibility of Everyone) and we want to help our customers by letting them know energy assistance is available to them in a time of crisis.”
  • Visit oeuassistance.ocalafl.org or contact the Customer Service Office at (352) 629-2489 for more information on expanded programs available during COVID-19.