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Direct Energy Emergency Fund

The Direct Energy Emergency Fund was created by Direct Energy, the United Way of Calgary and Area and the United Way Alberta Northwest to support Albertans in financial crisis due to overdue natural gas and electricity bills or disconnected utilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Direct Energy Emergency Fund?

The Direct Energy Emergency Fund was created by Direct Energy, the United Way of Calgary and Area and the United Way Alberta Northwest Region to focus specifically on providing emergency grants to Albertans who are in crisis and at risk of falling deeper into poverty due to utility bills in arrears or disconnection notices. It is funded through a donation made by Direct Energy but administered entirely through the United Way's partner agencies.

Who is eligible to receive funding?

Any Albertan experiencing a utility-related financial crisis and living within the service areas of the United Way of Calgary and Area and the United Way Alberta Northwest Region may contact 211 to be referred to a partner agency for assessment.

What is 211?

211 is a free, confidential, multilingual, 24-hour information and referral system. 211 provides information on government and community-based health and social services. 211 is available in certain regions across the province, including Grande Prairie.

What happens if I don't live in Calgary or Grande Prairie, can I still get funding?

The funds are currently only available to Albertans within the service areas for the United Way of Calgary and Area and the Alberta Northwest Region. This includes:

Calgary and AreaAlberta Northwest Region

Calgary

Grande Prairie/County of Grande Prairie

Chestermere

Clairmont

Cochrane

Grande Cache

High River

Fox Creek

Okotoks

Slave Lake

Strathmore

Fairview

Airdrie

Peace River

High Prairie

High Level

Grovedale

Sexsmith

Beaverlodge

Hythe

Fox Lake

Fort Vermillion

Do I need to be a Direct Energy or Direct Energy Regulated Services customer?

No. The fund is available to all Albertans served by the United Way of Calgary and Area and the United Way Alberta Northwest Region, regardless of your provider.

How much funding am I able to receive?

Please contact the County of Grande Prairie FCSS office at 780-567-5586. They will assess your need for support, manage your case, and determine if funds are available. No utility provider, including Direct Energy or Direct Energy Regulated Services, will have involvement in your application or funding outcome. The fund is solely managed by the County of Grande Prairie Family Community Support services. You can call them at 780-567-5586 or fill out the request form here: https://forms.countygp.ab.ca/Public/FCSS/United-Way-Direct-Energy-Utility-Relief-Fund

Who do I contact if I have questions about the Direct Energy Emergency Fund?

Please contact the County FCSS or  211 and they will be able assist you.

Do I need to have a pending disconnection notice to receive assistance?

The fund was created to assist Albertans experiencing a utility related financial crisis. Disconnected or pending disconnected utilities are not a specific requirement. Funding eligibility is assessed through the United Way and their partner agencies. Please contact the County FCSS Office directly.

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