Project Pal
Co-op Members Helping Co-op Members in Need
Pal helps pay your winter bill
Many co-op members struggle to make ends meet on the islands, even when times are good. For this reason, and especially to help in times of difficulty, Project Pal was created as a way for Co-op members to help each other to pay their electric bills during the heating season (November – April).
Pal is funded by voluntary donations: members helping members. It’s easy to apply for a grant online or at your island Family/Community Resource Center. Eligible households can get one PAL grant each year to help when bills are at their highest.
Apply for a Pal Grant
It’s easy to apply!
You need your OPALCO account number and household information.
Apply online, or through your local Family/Community Resource Center.
Households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible.
Donate to Pal
PAL depends on voluntary donations:
- round up your bill each month
- make a one-time or recurring monthly donation
- donate your community solar production credits
- make a charitable donation through our local community foundation
Pal FAQs
Pal grants are administered by the Family/Community Resource Centers on each island. Eligibility criteria include:
- you are an active member of OPALCO for the 4 months prior to application.
- you are a residential member.
- Family income level of up to 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (published each year)
Project Pal grants are awarded during the heating season (October-April). To apply, contact your local Family/Community Resource Center where staff can help connect you with all of the resources available. You can also complete the online application during the Pal season.
The majority of Pal funds come from donations from co-op members who round up their bill each month and/or make monthly donations.
Eligible members can get a Pal grant one time during each heating season (Nov-Apr). A member could get two Pal grants in a calendar year if, for example, they applied in March and also in November of the same year: two different Pal seasons.
Yes! If you receive a Pal grant, you are automatically eligible to apply for OPALCO’s monthly bill credit program, Energy Assist. With energy assist, you get a bill credit every month based on your household size.
OPALCO account numbers are on your power bill on the top right corner. You can also call 360-376-3500 to request your account number during business hours.
Call the OPALCO member service team at 360-376-3500 or visit your local Family/Community Resource Center for questions about Pal or help with your application.