OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Thousands of Iowans could be without power next week.
April 2nd is the day when power companies can legally disconnect customers with late payment accounts. During the winter months programs like the Hometown Care Energy Fund help assist low-income-family energy bills.
Alliant Energy donated $500,000 to the fund this year. The 2009 fund helped more than 1,500 households in Iowa. That's an average of $245 per house.
“You can imagine that heating season is almost ending,” Alliant Energy account manager Laurie Appleget said. “[The fund] is designed to help defer some of those costs from the winter season. So now that we’re entering into spring, hopefully they’ll be able to catch up on some of those bills.”
Despite the fund, some officials are estimating more than 89,000 customers across the state could face disconnect notices next week.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO