Project PAL: Are you Warm and Cozy? (link to Electrifying article)
OPALCO recognizes that many members struggle to make ends meet on the islands – even when times are good. For this reason, and to help in times of difficulty, Project PAL was created as a vehicle for Co-op members to help their fellow members to pay their electric bills. To apply for Project PAL, click here.
How does it work?
OPALCO members contribute toward Project PAL by rounding up their electric bill each month – or by making a monthly or one-time donation to the program. To Round Up your bill, simply check the Project PAL Round Up box on your paper bill, call the office at 376-3500 or contact the Project PAL coordinator by email.
Project PAL is housed at Orcas Power & Light Cooperative and serves OPALCO members, but is run by an independent, volunteer council. This anonymous council of six member volunteers reviews Project PAL applications and makes award decisions monthly during the heating season, November through April. Half of PAL funds each year are designated for seniors and disabled persons of low income. The remainder is made available to any member who meets the PAL Eligiblity Guidelines and whose application is approved by the volunteer council.
How can you help?
Project PAL is 100% funded with voluntary donations from OPALCO members. The easiest way to contributors to Project PAL is to Round Up your electric bill each month. Round Up funds (an average $6/year/member) are pooled to help co-op members in need pay their winter heating bills. PAL Contributers can also participate in:
PAL +Plus
When you sign up for Round Up, you can choose to have an additional fixed amount ($1, $2, $5, $10 . . .) added to your bill each month.
PAL Business Partners
Local businesses are partnering with PAL to lend a helping hand in the community. PAL Business Partners can partcipate in:
- Matching Grants – Donate $1 for every customer who partcipates in Round Up or PAL +Plus. Challenge your employees/customers to particpate.
- Point-of Purchase (POP) Displays – Invite your customers to donate to PAL at your registers.
- Sponsorship – Make a direct donation to Project PAL.
PAL Business Partners are recognized on the website, in the annual report and are listed in our Thank You ad in local papers once a year.
Gift certificates are also available and can be directed to any OPALCO member—regardless of need, anonymously or signed—or made out in support of Project PAL. Checks can be sent to:
OPALCO – Project PAL
183 Mt. Baker Road
Eastsound WA 98245
During the 2008-09 heating season, 173 members received PAL grants (averaging $216) for a total of $37,370 in support. 2,865 members rounded up their bills each month raising $10,156 in support for the program. Additional donations from member households and businesses made up the difference.
For more information on Project PAL, please contact us.