LOUISVILLE. Ky. — Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced the city is adding $2.5 million to its COVID-19 Utility Relief Program to help residents who have fallen behind on Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) bills because of COVID-19.

The money will help residents with past-due accounts on active LG&E accounts. To qualify for the assistance, the outstanding balance must have happened since March 16, 2020 and customers need to prove they have had financial hardship.

“We know financial hardships related to COVID-19 created a high demand for utility assistance, and we have worked with our partners to get people back on track,” said Fischer. “As Louisville continues to recover from the impact of COVID, many households continue to face hardships. We are grateful to utilize this first round of money from the Federal American Rescue Plan to help stabilize our most vulnerable households.”

In a statement from the mayor's office, customers with outstanding balances may receive a one-time credit for up to $1,000. The mayor's office said an additional $2.5 million will go to the Louisville Water Company but details on the spending have not been finalized. 

Funding for the Utility Relief Program comes from the first round of Louisville's Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP), which are for the city's most urgent needs. 

The mayor's office says the LG&E funds will be distributed by the Office of Resilience and Community Services. 

Earlier this year, the city reports more than 11,400 LG&E customers were helped with outstanding balances with $6 million in utility assistance. The Louisville Water Co. was able to help 11,765 customers with $4 million in relief. The funding for these programs was made possible by money freed up by Federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security) Act.

How to apply for the LG & E assistance:

Anyone interested in applying for help must make an appointment. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-977-6636 or online at LGEHelp.itfrontdesk.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Eligibility for the Metro LG & E Relief Program:

• Jefferson County residency
• Experienced a COVID-related economic hardship
• Have a past due/delinquent LG & E electric or gas bill since March 16, 2020
• There are no income restrictions to receive this utility assistance, however, income documentation is required to gain entry into the LG & E program.
• Documentation may include:
• Photo ID for adult(s) in the household
• Social Security card(s) or official documentation with Social Security numbers for everyone living in the household (or permanence residence/green card)
• Current bill with a past due balance, or a brown, disconnect notice from LG & E. (The past due amount must have occurred since March 16, 2020)
• LG & E Utility Assistance application form can be downloaded here or found at your nearest Neighborhood Place office drop boxes that include the income documentation form.

The Metro COVID-19 Relief Program funds for LG & E will operate until funding is depleted. Funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.