Bill Payment Assistance with Project CARE

Since 1994, Project CARE has helped thousands of local families through difficult times. Administered by the Heart of Florida United Way, this program provides emergency relief for those experiencing temporary financial hardships, allowing them to keep their lights on and the water flowing when they need it most.

Need Assistance?

OUC’s Project CARE offers one-time utility assistance, up to $500 per household, in a 12-month period for eligible customers.

Want To Give?

You may add $1, $2, $5, or a specified amount to your monthly bill. For every $1 you donate to the program, OUC will contribute $2.

Red medical symbol.

OUC’s Medical Alert Program

OUC offers special assistance for those whose electric service is medically essential. Customers requiring life-sustaining equipment (such as heart monitors, oxygen concentrators, feeding pumps, in-home dialysis, etc.) can rely on OUC to provide special consideration for their accounts.

What the Medical Alert Program Provides

OUC will provide reasonable prior notice of power interruption due to scheduled service maintenance. This allows the customer to secure backup power for their medical equipment. The program also provides special consideration for payment arrangements, as well as information on energy efficiency and a list of social service agencies that may provide financial assistance and other health and human services.

In the event of emergency power failures due to natural causes or unforeseen system problems, we cannot provide prior notification. In these situations, it is the customer’s responsibility to have a power backup system for their medical equipment, as well as an action plan for proceeding to the nearest medical facility.

In addition, OUC does not exempt customers from service disconnection if they do not make regular payments on their account, do not keep payment arrangements or fail to provide information to re-validate their participation in the program.

How to Qualify for the Medical Alert Program

If you are an OUC customer whose life-sustaining medical equipment is dependent on electric service, you should:

  1. Obtain verification from a physician regarding your (1) medical condition, (2) the type of equipment needed and (3) the length of time the equipment is needed. Examples of life-sustaining medical equipment include oxygen concentrators, heart monitors, feeding pumps or dialysis machines. Ask your physician to complete the validation form and mail it to OUC.
  2. Once the completed form is received and reviewed for eligibility, you will be able to participate in the program within 48 hours. OUC will maintain a record of your power needs, and your account will be identified by a gray seal on your electric meter.
  3. Each year, OUC will send you a validation form requesting re-certification by your physician. Your participation in the program must be recertified every 12 months and no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the existing form on file with OUC.

City & County Assistance

The municipality in which you live provides a multitude of services for residents with disabilities or medical and/or mobility issues, including transportation assistance and special medical shelters during disaster situations.

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Special Needs Registry: Orange County

Contact the Orange County Special Needs Program at (407) 836-9319 or fill out the form by clicking on the button below.

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Special Needs Registry: Osceola County

Contact the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management at (407) 742-9000 or register by clicking on the button below.

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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

In Orange County, contact the Families, Health & Social Services department. In Osceola County, contact the Osceola Council on Aging.

A woman checking her phone and trying to make a bill payment with her credit card.

Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP)

Call (407) 846-8532 if you are an Orange or Osceola resident, or call 1-800-96-ELDER (35337).

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