Starting in October, customers of Clay Electric will notice their bills being rounded up to the nearest dollar as part of Operation Round Up. That extra money will be set aside for the company's charity foundation, and the utility will select charities where the money will be donated.
"I'm OK with the program as long as I know where the money is going and what organization it is being donated to," Clay Electric customer Gary Scott said.
The program was approved by the co-op's board earlier this year. Since then, the company has been communicating with customers about what will happen. As part of the program, a board of volunteers for the Clay Electric Foundation will select from a group of applicants from counties served by Clay Electric, which can include nonprofits, community-based or volunteer organizations, educational, civic organizations, shelters and hospitals to select how to award the money.
"Like I said to my husband, I don't mind. It's a good cause. Other people could use more money," customer Melody Mills said. "I understand, though, that some people don't like it."
A spokesman for the utility said that depending on how many people opt out, they expect to make about $60,000 a month for the charities. The maximum a customer could pay is $.99 a month, or $11.88 per year. Customers can opt out if they want to.
"I think that's a very good thing having that option," Scott said. "Most places you don't get an option, and that's even been here in Clay County, too."
If you are a Clay Electric customer and want to learn more about this program, visit ClayElectric.com.