With Alabama experiencing one of the coldest winters in the state’s history, people are using more electricity than usual, leading to higher power bills. Alabama Power has programs designed to help during extreme temperatures.

“We understand that frigid temperatures have caused some customers’ bills to be higher than normal,” said Leigh Davis, Alabama Power’s vice president for Customer Services. “We are committed to helping our customers, and we want them to know what services and assistance we can provide.”

The company provides several options to assist customers:

Payment Arrangements: the company works with customers to arrange extended payments when they find themselves temporarily unable to pay their power bill.

There are several ways customers can make arrangements:

Go to www.alabamapower.com to make arrangements and learn more about their bill.

Visit an Alabama Power business office.

Call Customer Service at 1-800-245-2244

Budget Billing: a free service that lets customers pay an averaged bill each month, based on their annual energy use. Budget Billing may help stabilize seasonal fluctuations in customers’ electricity bills. Customers can sign up at www.alabamapower.com/budgetbilling.

My Power Usage: customers can manage their energy use to help avoid the surprise of an unexpectedly high bill by enrolling in My Power Usage at www.alabamapower.com/mypowerusage. The online tool lets customers:

View daily and monthly use to learn when they use energy

Show their projected electric service amount long before they receive a bill

Opt in for email alerts when bills reach a dollar amount they set

Alabamapower.com: a resource for customers offering:

Seasonal energy efficiency tips

Simple ways to save money on energy bills

Options to sign up for personalized energy checkups

Alabama Power also offers several programs designed to help low-income, elderly or disabled customers:

Project SHARE: a program in partnership with the Salvation Army, Project SHARE helps pay the wintertime energy bills of low-income Alabamians who are age 60 or older and/or disabled. During the summer, people with medical emergencies also may be assisted, if funds are available. Customers who want to request energy assistance through Project SHARE can apply at their local Salvation Army office or by calling 205-328-2420. Alabama Power customers who want to help others can donate by checking the Project SHARE box on their Alabama Power bill.

The Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund: Alabama Power stockholders created the nonprofit ABC Trust in 1992 to supplement energy assistance efforts. The trust works with local community action agencies to help cover the cost of heating and cooling for low-income families and those struggling with temporary financial problems. Customers interested in ABC Trust programs can contact the community action agency in their county. For more information, visit www.powerofgood.com. Click the “What We Do” tab, “Community Support” and then “ABC Trust.”

Energy bill discounts: Discounts are available for customers receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid for Low Income Families (MLIF). The discount includes $14.50 toward the customer charge and exemption from paying certain state utility license tax fees. Eligible customers can sign up at an Alabama Power business office. Customers unable to visit a business office can call Customer Service to request an application by mail.

Special needs assistance programs: the company provides several programs for customers with special needs, from alternate payment dates for people who rely on monthly government checks, to Braille and large-print bills, to services for the deaf. Learn more about Alabama Power programs at www.alabamapower.com.