Here is a new idea and timely- purchasing a H.U.G. (Home Utility Gift)! This is a program offered in my locale by Louisville Electric and Gas (LG&E) for customers who want to warm up their loved ones, literally. In the winter season where utility bills creep up higher and pull funds away from other categories in the budget, anyone can go ahead and pay some or all of another household’s bill.
“Even with wholesale natural gas costs at six-year lows, many families are on fixed budgets because of the sluggish economy and are trying to manage their energy usage more wisely,” said John P. Malloy, Vice President of Energy Delivery — Retail for E.ON U.S. “These non-traditional gift certificates are the perfect idea for many shoppers because they are unique, convenient, and very practical for any recipient.”
Nevada’s Valley Electric Association calls it Holiday Utility Gift and has other gifting opportunities to help folks out.
Alabama’s Cullman Electric HUG program was started during the 2007 holiday season, but HUG payments quickly became popular all year long as a way to assist. Since the program was introduced, more than $10,800 has been given.
Pennsylvania’s Equitable Gas, Columbia Gas, or Dominion Peoples,will send you or the recipient personalized HUG certificates, either for you to distribute or for the recipient to include when paying a utility bill.