Back to list Service & repair Jul 13, 2020 15:50 Utility bill assistance fund available by dialing 211 Strongly committed to Alberta, Direct Energy and Direct Energy Regulated Services is proud to continue its partnership with the United Way of Calgary and Area, and to begin a new partnership with the United Way Alberta Northwest to help Albertans experiencing financial crisis pay their utility bills. The impact of COVID-19, compounded by the challenges faced by Alberta’s energy sector, has put significant financial stress on families across the province. United Way’s Direct Energy Emergency Fund provides a helping hand for hundreds of Alberta families and reduces the risk of debt due to utility bills in arrears or disconnection notices. Since it began in 2017, Direct Energy has committed more than $575,000 to the Fund. This announcement follows the province-wide end of the 90-Day Utility Payment Deferral Program, through which Albertans were able to defer bill payments until June 18, 2020. Knowing that many families continue to face financial challenges, Direct Energy is providing program participants with a 10-month repayment plan, in addition to ensuring the Fund is in place for families in need of assistance. Effective July 2020, any Albertan living in the Calgary or Grand Prairie area may contact 211 to speak with a case worker to determine eligibility. “With almost one million customers, we understand the financial challenges many Albertans are facing. We want to help those who need it most,” said Tanis Kozak, Vice President and General Manager, Canada, Direct Energy. “Since the fund kicked off in 2017, the Direct Energy Emergency Fund has delivered much-needed financial relief for over 900 individuals and families struggling with basic needs, including natural gas and electricity bills.” “With our current economic reality, and the onset of COVID-19, we’ve seen a big spike in the number of Calgarians struggling to pay for basic needs, including utilities,” said Karen Young, President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. “We are grateful for our renewed partnership with Direct Energy, which will allow Albertans who face financial challenges to access emergency funds that prevent them from slipping into further debt.” Direct Energy’s 2020 funding commitment of $75,000 will be available to Albertans served by the United Way of Calgary and Area and the Grand Prairie Region. Disconnected or pending disconnected utilities are not a specific requirement. All requests for individual assessment and assistance should be directed to 211 or www.ab.211.ca. For further details about the Fund, please visit www.directenergy.com/alberta/emergencyfund. Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest retail providers of electricity, natural gas and energy-related services to over three million homes and business. It is part of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), a leading international energy services and solutions provider that is founded on a 200-year heritage of serving people. Direct Energy, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, operate in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 8 provinces in Canada. We are focused on satisfying the changing needs of our customers, enabling them to transition to a lower carbon future. Our aim is to reduce emissions in line with Paris goals by 2030 and develop a path to net zero by 2050.