GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLO., December 1, 2020 — Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the HCE Board of Directors has unanimously approved increased limits to the HCE Member Assistance Fund. Effective immediately, HCE members who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 may apply to receive up to $1,000 total in bill credit assistance for all-electric homes and up to $500 in aggregate bill payment assistance for combination gas/electric homes. Small commercial business members are also now eligible to receive up to a total of $2,000 in bill payment assistance credits.
HCE members need only to self-certify that they are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and its impacts in order to access the Member Assistance Fund. Click the link for more information on the bill payment assistance program and links to apply.
“We recognize that COVID-19 is still having an impact on many of our members, and we remain committed to supporting our members throughout this difficult time,” said HCE President and CEO Bryan Hannegan. “Our Board of Directors recognizes a continuing need to help offset the economic impacts COVID-19 has had on our communities.”
In addition, the HCE Board has also approved the distribution of $2,488,996.72 in Member Equity funds first obtained from members who received service from HCE in 2005. After having been used for investments in the poles, wires, and other equipment needed to provide electric service, these funds will be distributed back to those members with an expected mailing date of Monday, December 7. Refunds totaling $10 and under will be applied as a credit to the members’ electricity bill.
As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, HCE allocates any annual revenue that exceeds expenses back to our members in the form of Member Equity. With this Member Equity refund, HCE has returned over $160.2 million in Member Equity to its members since 1963, placing it in the top 5 among all electric cooperatives in the U.S.