As a Customer Care Representative, Yessica Rangel hears from UniSource customers who have fallen into hard times and are struggling to pay their bills.
She helps them find solutions in her day-to-day work, but to do her personal part to help, Rangel regularly contributes to a company program to donate to the utility bills of others.
UniSource Energy Services customers can round up their bills each month for our Warm Spirit program. That spare change can help low-income customers cover their electric and gas costs, particularly in the face of rising prices for goods and housing.
“I love doing it,” said Rangel. “I honestly don’t know how much I round up – out of sight, out of mind. Hopefully there won’t be a time that I will need it, but this one way I can help a family in need.”
UniSource customers stepped up last year to keep the energy on, contributing more than $37,000 to others in need. Since the Warm Spirit program launched in 2011, customers have contributed more than $562,000 dollars to support their neighbors.
Donating is easy. You can just round up your bill or contribute a certain amount each month. Your contribution will appear each month as part of your UniSource bill.
Every penny goes to help low‑income customers. UniSource does not use any donations for program administration. UniSource gives donations to the nonprofit organization, Home Energy Assistance Fund, which distributes the money to eligible households identified by Community Action agencies whose mission is to serve our state’s low-income population.
Rangel has seen firsthand how these small contributions make an impact in her role in the Special Plans department, which assists customers with bills and payment arrangements. “I hear the stories. I know every little bit counts,” Rangel said.
To get started, please visit the Warm Spirit webpage or give us a call at 1-877-837-4968. You can also manage your donation through My Account or the mobile app.
“It’s amazing to watch how spare change becomes real change,” said Denise Taylor, Director of Customer Service and Programs. “When neighbors look out for one another, those small gestures grow into something powerful for families facing tough times.”
If you need help paying your bill, please visit our website to learn more about payment assistance that might be available to you.
