Addresses in 36 ZIP codes across the county received credits, according to program data.
“The number of applications we received through this program shows that many people in our communities are struggling,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman. “A utility bill credit may not solve all the problems, but it did give thousands of households some relief from the financial struggles of this pandemic.”
The average Vectren credit amounted to about $177 per account and $476 among DP&L accounts, according to the utilities. Applicants had to be residential customers in Montgomery County and the credits covered only charges billed on or after March 1.
“DP&L cares about its customers and understands the impact that the pandemic has had. Especially with people working from home and with their school aged children taking classes from home, electricity is very critical,” said Mary Ann Kabel, DP&L’s communications director..
The utilities program with DP&L and Vectren launched Oct. 21 and ended Nov. 13. It was the last program in the county’s effort to distribute $92.8 million in federal CARES Act funds it was allocated in May.
“Working directly with these companies, we were able to accomplish this in less than a month, which shows how much we can all accomplish by working together,” said Montgomery County Commission President Judy Dodge.
The county has now distributed or encumbered all the relief funding. Programs that received funding included those for rent and mortgage assistance, nonprofit agencies, educational organizations, farmers, small businesses and healthcare and daycare providers.
Vectren and DP&L county collaborated to complete the utilities program, said Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice.
“Our staff in the Office of CARES Act, our IT department, and the billing and IT departments of Vectren and DP&L worked quickly, because we all knew that there is a huge need in the county,” she said.
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