Alliant Energy donates funding for repairs to customers hurt by storms

Alliant Energy has teamed up with community partners in Iowa to create Project ReConnect – a program to fund electrical repairs and restore power after the derecho hit the area on August 10.

While Alliant Energy has restored power to communities it serves in Iowa following the storm, many customers are unable to get power due to damage to their exterior electrical system – including the meter box, service mast, and weatherhead. This is typically the responsibility of the customer to fix.

Through this program, Alliant Energy is providing funds to United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI), Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP), Mid-Iowa Community Action, and Community Action of Eastern Iowa through its foundation. This funding will assist its customers who can’t afford the expenses of an electrician to make necessary repairs to their home. Through its foundation, Alliant has provided $250,000 to Project ReConnect statewide. UWECI is donating $40,000, while Border States Electric, a business partner of Alliant Energy, is providing an additional $10,000.

Project ReConnect covers the costs for a licensed electrician to make these repairs, which may cost up to $1,500. Once the repairs are made, the power can be restored.

“We understand how incredibly difficult it is to be without power. We are proud of our crews’ efforts in restoring power to the majority of our customers, and we won’t stop until all the lights are back on,” Terry Kouba, president of Alliant Energy, said. “We are pleased to partner with several organizations to help our most vulnerable customers who are hurting and rebuild the communities we live in and love.”

Alliant Energy customers who need financial assistance to pay for these repairs should contact their local community action agency, such as HACAP, Mid-Iowa Community, and Community Action of Eastern Iowa.

“Community Action Agencies express our thanks for the quick response of the Alliant Energy Foundation to address the needs of Iowans who are struggling to get their electricity reconnected due to the recent derecho. Project ReConnect will allow hundreds of Iowans to take an important step towards recovery from the damage they have incurred,” Lana Shope, executive director of the Iowa Community Action Association, said. “Project ReConnect is another example of Iowans coming together to help our communities address the needs of our friends and neighbors, and we appreciate the leadership of the Alliant Energy Foundation in making Project Reconnect happen.”