Mississippi Power is initiating Project Share, a program to help the elderly, handicapped, medically disabled and others in need who have difficulty paying their electricity bills.

Starting the first week in June, Mississippi Power’s customers will receive information within the bill insert introducing Project Share and explaining how they may voluntarily contribute $1, $2 or $5 per month to a fund to help those in need. Money donated will be used to provide assistance to customers in Southeast Mississippi.

“We understand that situations or emergencies can arise that make it hard for customers to pay their bills” said Mississippi Power CEO Mike Garrett. “Project Share is a means of providing emergency help for those truly in need.”

The Red Cross of Mississippi will administer Project Share and oversee eligibility for assistance based on established guidelines. “Red Cross reaches each of the communities we serve and has been a partner with us for eighteen years,” said Garrett. The Red Cross has administered a direct contribution from the company to help those in need with energy bills since 1984.

Project Share is a nationally recognized program that is used to provide assistance to utility customers. “We are extremely pleased that we are now able to offer our customers the same type of opportunity to help one another,” stated Garrett. Customer donations will be added to the contribution already made by the company to help fund the Project Share effort.

Customers who wish to participate in Project Share may check an amount in the upper right hand corner of their June bill. Customers who pay their bills automatically by bank transfer may participate by calling Mississippi Power’s customer service center at 1-800-532-1502. Customers may also change or cancel their contributions at any time by contacting the company. Once a customer has joined Project Share, their designated amount will be added and noted separately on their Mississippi Power bill every month. The contribution may be tax deductible depending on an individual’s tax situation.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, serves more than 192,000 customers in 23 southeastern Mississippi counties.