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Thousands of families in Louisville are at risk of losing electricity and air conditioning.

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WAVE) – Thousands of Louisville families are at risk of losing power and air conditioning in the heat of summer.

In March 2020, utilities withheld disruptions during the pandemic; now they are back in operation and some are already without power. More than a year after disconnection was suspended amid the pandemic, the moratorium was lifted in June and some have already been disconnected from the grid.

So far 3,600 LG&E customers have been taken off the network for non-payment; another 21,000 customers are at risk if payment is not received.

“It has been a difficult time for our customers so we would like them to contact us upon receipt of the separation notice,” said Natasha Collins, Communications Director, LG&E.

The utility encourages customers to Contact, and set up a payment plan before disconnecting; LG&E will also match customers with community organizations that can provide assistance, such as the Low Income Household Support Program or LIHEAP within the city’s Resilience Office and Community Services.

“It’s so important for households, especially those affected by COVID. It just makes a huge difference, in many cases these are households at risk, ”said Debbie Belt.

Last year LIHEAP supported almost 18,000 households. The nearly 1.4 million US dollar LIHEAP Summer cooling The program offers a one-time benefit of $ 100 to $ 400 for those who qualify based on income and up to $ 600 for those facing an “energy crisis” such as an interruption.

The program will start accepting applications starting July 12; Appointments can be booked immediately on-line or by phone at (502) 991-8391.

Louisville Water customers are also facing disruption issues; The company has resumed normal business operations with 12,000 households in arrears.

Through their Drops of Kindness program, customers who qualify can receive one-time credit; Customers who do not contact the utility are automatically included in payment plans.

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