MOORE COUNTY — Job losses, standstills, employment uncertainties … the COVID-19 pandemic is creating economic struggles for many Moore County citizens … even those who usually have no problem paying their monthly bills … and Duck River Electric Membership Cooperative (DREMC) wants to help.

DREMC along with matching dollars from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently partnered with the Moore County Senior Citizen’s to deliver Moore County’s part in electric bill assistance through Project Help.

“Helping Duck River Electric members during difficult times makes a difference to the families who are struggling,” added DREMC President and CEO Scott Spence. “With support from Project HELP, many are receiving assistance with electric bill payments as economic challenges continue.”

Project HELP is an emergency residential energy assistance program overseen by local charity organizations in seven counties served by DREMC. For three decades, the program has received support through generous monthly and one-time donations from members and employees, who have given more than $214,000 over the past five years to the program. Recently, program funding was boosted as DREMC donated $30,000, which was matched by Tennessee Valley Authority through its COVID-19 Community Care Fund, making a total of $60,000 available to help cooperative members who qualify for Project HELP assistance.

Locally DREMC partners with Moore County Senior Center to offer Project HELP assistance year-round with electric bills.

To apply for electric bill assistance through Project HELP, visit the Moore County Senior Center at 87 High Street in Lynchburg. Normal hours are weekdays, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. If you need to speak to someone at the organization, call 931-759-7317 or 931-703-1014.

“If you are unable to pay the electric bill, remember that Project HELP may provide part or all of the solution,” said Spence.•

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}