The Port Townsend Rotary Club has presented a challenge grant to benefit Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) electricity customers in need through Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) and the PUD’s Power Boost fund.

“Our club is moved by the level of need and proud to provide a one-to-one match for every dollar contributed to the fund by PUD customers, up to the amount of $20,000, beginning Sept. 1, 2014,” said Rotary of Port Townsend (aka “The Noon Club”) President Karen Gose Clemens.

In 2013, 495 Jefferson County households (about 1,500 people) lost monetary assistance in paying their energy bills that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) had provided prior to the county PUD’s takeover of the utility. Typically, the families accessing these funds are in crisis, facing a shutoff of their power and serious hardship during the cold winter months. When Jefferson PUD replaced PSE as the energy supplier, local funding disappeared.

The PUD has appealed to its customers to contribute to its Power Boost fund to aid these families. By checking a box on their monthly bill, customers can agree to add an amount to apply to the fund. Rotary’s challenge grant is intended to stimulate these contributions.

OlyCAP administers the program, initially screening applications for assistance eligibility. OlyCAP also continues to administer federal funds through the LIHEAP program, with the average family receiving $580 to help with high heating costs. When that source reaches its limits, then the Power Boost fund kicks in.

If these customers receive a shutoff notice, they can apply to OlyCAP for an additional $200 to help prevent a shutoff.

Rotary’s $20,000 grant is part of the club’s annual community charitable program, composed of funds generated by its annual auction, holiday wreath sales, county-fair gate staffing and other volunteer efforts.