Local in Franklin County (5)
Catholic Center of Concern - Huntsville (North Alabama)
Local · 9 Alabama counties
Rent/mortgage and utility help, life-threatening prescriptions, clothing room, diapers; apply by telephone intake.
(256) 963-9355
- Who
- Low-income residents of the 9 listed North Alabama counties, regardless of religion.
- Where
- 1010 Church St, Huntsville 35801
- Good to know
- Alt phone (256) 489-3484.
Franklin Electric Cooperative
Local · Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence Counties, AL
Electric service; pay-bill and customer forms online; Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm.
(256) 332-2730
- Who
- Members of the cooperative; hardship/elderly/disabled members for assistance funds.
- Where
- 225 West Franklin Street, Russellville, AL 35653
- Good to know
- Red Bay office (256) 356-4413. TVA-supplied. No assistance program found online - ask. Ask the co-op about payment extensions and medical/life-support flags; Alabama PSC Rule 12(E) does not regulate co-op disconnect rules, each co-op's own board policy applies.
Russellville Electric Board / Russellville Utilities
Local · Franklin County, AL
Municipal TVA power distributor; ask about payment extensions, budget billing and local customer-funded aid.
(256) 332-3850
- Who
- Customers in the service area.
- Where
- 721 Jackson Avenue South, Russellville, AL 35653
- Good to know
- Provides electric, gas, sewer and water (TVA page). Contact from TVA local power company directory; no assistance program verified online - refer to CAPNA/community action for LIHEAP.
The Salvation Army Florence Corps (Shoals Area)
Local · Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale Counties, AL
Emergency assistance for the Shoals; call for hours.
(256) 764-4432
- Who
- Low-income households in crisis in the service area; ID, proof of address/income and the past-due bill or lease usually required; aid depends on available funds.
- Where
- 1601 Huntsville Rd, Florence 35630
- Good to know
- Counties from Salvation Army ALM division location directory (salvationarmyusa.org/usa-southern-territory/alabama-louisiana-and-mississippi/location-directory/).
Alabama Public Service Commission - utility complaints & disconnect rules
Local · 67 Alabama counties
Takes complaints about PSC-regulated utilities (Alabama Power, Spire); PSC General Rule 12(E) requires termination rules giving special consideration when life/health is threatened or for age/handicap.
No phone listed · Website ↗
- Who
- Customers of investor-owned utilities (not co-ops, municipal or most water boards).
- Good to know
- Rule 12(E) summary from LIHEAP Clearinghouse vulnerable-population disconnect page (liheapch.ncat.org/node/2812). PSC phone not verified here - see website.
Statewide programs that serve Franklin County (9)
LIHEAP energy assistance
Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama
Statewide, AL
Federal energy help paid straight to the power or gas company. Every Alabama county is served by a Community Action Agency that takes the applications.
256-764-5142
- Who
- Income at or under 150% of the federal poverty level. Heating season: Oct 1 – Apr 30.
- Where
- 745 Thompson St, Florence 35630
- Good to know
- Office line: 256-766-4330. This is the LIHEAP agency for Franklin County (ADECA list).
- Bring
- Photo ID
- Social Security cards for everyone in the home
- Last month's income proof for every adult
- Utility bill in the applicant's name
ABC Trust energy help
Alabama Business Charitable Trust (Alabama Power)
Statewide, AL
Emergency help with energy bills, given out through the county LIHEAP agency.
Ask the LIHEAP agency above
- Who
- Low-income households or those in temporary hardship
Alabama electric cooperatives (AREA)
Alabama Rural Electric Association
Statewide, AL
Points co-op members to their local electric cooperative for billing help.
1-800-410-2732
- Who
- Members of Alabama electric cooperatives
Alabama Power low-income bill credit
Alabama Power
Statewide, AL
A $14.50 monthly credit on the power bill.
1-800-245-2244
- Who
- Alabama Power customers receiving SSI or Medicaid for Low Income Families
Alabama Power Special Needs Assistance
Alabama Power
Statewide, AL
Due dates matched to benefit check dates, Braille or large-print bills, and services for deaf customers.
1-800-245-2244
- Who
- Alabama Power customers with special needs or on monthly government checks
Project SHARE
Salvation Army of Greater Birmingham
Statewide, AL
Emergency help with power bills for older and disabled Alabamians, funded by Alabama Power customers and electric co-ops.
(205) 328-2420
- Who
- Age 60+ or a person with a disability
Public Service Commission consumer complaints
Alabama Public Service Commission
Statewide, AL
Takes complaints about regulated power, gas, water and phone utilities after the customer has tried the utility.
1-800-392-8050
- Who
- Customers of PSC-regulated utilities
United Way 2-1-1
Anywhere
Free, 24/7 referral line. Finds the smaller church and community funds near their address that open up week to week. Also 1-888-421-1266, or text a ZIP code to 898-211.
2-1-1
- Who
- Anyone
Weatherization
Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama
Statewide, AL
Free home energy upgrades like insulation and air sealing that lower bills going forward. The state line routes them to their county's agency.
256-764-5142
- Who
- Income at or under 200% of the federal poverty level
- Where
- 745 Thompson St, Florence 35630
- Good to know
- Office line: 256-766-4330.
Other help in Franklin County