Duck River Electric is donating $13,000, which will be matched by the Tennessee Valley Authority through its Community Care Fund, making a total of $26,000 in additional funding to assist charity organizations that partner with the cooperative’s Project HELP program in Bedford, Coffee, Franklin and Moore counties.

“The number of applications for Project HELP assistance outweighs the level of funding the program receives in these four counties,” said DREMC’s President and CEO James Wright. “In addition to this concern, community size, fewer donations, and the number of applicants can stretch available resources to assist all DREMC members who apply for emergency assistance through Project HELP to pay part or all of their electric bills.”

Last month, the area recorded the coldest temperatures so far this winter. On Jan. 22, TVA’s generation system met the highest peak demand in the agency’s over 91-year history. At 8 a.m. CT, TVA had recorded a record peak of 35,319 megawatts when the temperature fell to 11 degrees.

Wright explains that in extremely cold temperatures such as this, the additional energy used to heat members’ homes and businesses increases electric bills.

“Some members may find themselves needing assistance with paying the electric bill for the first time,” Wright said, “and the additional resources will enable these organizations to help more qualifying families impacted by the extreme weather.”

Project HELP is DREMC’s emergency residential energy assistance program overseen by local charity organizations in seven counties served by Duck River Electric – Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Marshall, Maury, and Moore. Project HELP is supported by generous donations from DREMC members, employees and others who contribute to the program. All contributions are sent directly to the organizations that partner with DREMC to offer the program.

Project HELP assistance is available year-round because financial hardships can occur at any time.

“Duck River Electric’s commitment to the communities we serve reaches hundreds annually through the Project HELP program,” adds Wright.

In 2024, DREMC’s Project HELP program assisted 734 families and individuals with more than $100,200 toward their electric bills.

To apply for energy bill assistance through Project HELP, call or visit the charity organization where you live. A list of partnering agencies offering Project HELP can be found at here.

To make a difference for those in your community who need assistance with paying their electric bill, please join us in contributing to Project HELP. DREMC members can make one-time donations or sign up to donate monthly using the form on our website or by checking the appropriate box at the bottom of their next electric bill.

Please contact any DREMC office with questions about Project HELP.

*For safety reasons and at the request of Bedford County’s Good Samaritan Association, the last names of their volunteer representatives are not included with their photo.

DREMC is honored to present the TVA Community Care Fund contributions to the partnering Project HELP organizations where additional support is needed to assist members. 

Pictured above are DREMC Office Manager Gaby West, Sally Miller and Fay Jones of Good Samaritan of Manchester, DREMC Member Service Representative Rosie Garcia and DREMC President and CEO James Wright.

Presenting the matching-fund contribution to Jane, Rosemary and Cathy of Good Samaritan Association of Bedford County (center) are DREMC Office Manager Tara Groce, DREMC President and CEO James Wright and Senior Director Shelbyville Operations Drew Lane. 

Pictured above are DREMC Senior Director Decherd Operations Rob Edde, Office Manager Amy Holcomb, Mitzi Rigsby of Good Samaritan Ministries of Franklin County and DREMC President and CEO James Wright.

Presenting the contribution to the Project HELP partnering organization, Moore County Senior Citizens Center, are DREMC Senior Director Shelbyville Operations Drew Lane, Lynchburg Area Manager Eugene Cartwright, Member Service Representative Paige Gunn, Office Manager Tara Groce and DREMC President and CEO James Wright. Loraine Stoklosa of the Moore County Senior Citizens Center was not available for the photo.