Orlando Utilities Commission

• Electric and water services in Orlando are provided by the Orlando Utilities Commission. The utility company is the second-largest, municipally-owned utility in Florida. It serves more than 221,000 people in Orlando and St. Cloud and parts of Orange and Osceola counties, as of 2011. Demand is highest for help with utilities during the summer months when daily temperatures can approach 100 degrees. Most housing in the city is designed to be cooled by air conditioners powered by electricity.
  
  

Project Care

• Many people seeking help with their utilities contact the the commission first, and as a result the commission started a program called Project Care in 1994. The nonprofit partnership with the United Way and other local charities offers emergency utility assistance on a temporary basis for people unable to pay their bill. A household is eligible for up to $500 in benefits over the course of a year. A nonprofit organization called 211 Community Resources determines customer eligibility and accepts donations from the public. Orlando Utilities Commission contributes $2 for every dollar raised. People looking to donate can call 407-423-9018.
  
  

Receiving Benefits

• People needing help with utilities can reach Project Care by calling the utilities commission customer service number at 407-957-7373 or by dialing 2-1-1 from their home or local cell phones. A representative from Project Care will provide information about the screening process for eligibility. People are generally directed to a nonprofit agency where they are interviewed for consideration.
  
  

Other Help

• Charitable organizations in Orlando steer people looking for help with utilities to Project Care. People who have exhausted their annual benefit through Project Care can try soliciting help from local churches. Counselors with Project Care may offer other referrals as well. Payment plans with the utilities commission are another option.
  
  

Seniors

• Seniors and the elderly may be eligible for special consideration from Project Care. A senior who has exhausted yearly benefits should make a special appeal to Project Care for more help, especially during the hot summer months when heatstroke is a real possibility. Single women with small children may be offered additional consideration or may be referred to social services for other assistance.