Opp City Councilman Mickey Crew said earlier this week he’d like for the city to get involved in Project SHARE.

“From what I understand, it’s a program where people can pay an extra dollar or $2 to help folks with utilities,” he said. “It sounds like a good program. It goes to into a fund that helps those pay for heating and cooling during the hot and cold months.”

Earlier this year, Councilman and Opp Utilities board member Oren Stewart also discussed participating in the program with members of the utilities board.

All agreed it was a good thing to pursue.

The Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross administers the program that provides energy assistance for low-income elderly or disabled individuals.

It is a voluntary program, established by the utility companies in the state of Alabama, and funded through the contributions from the utilities and private individuals that choose to donate on their monthly bill.

To qualify for the assistance, the family income must be within certain guidelines depending on the size of the household.

In addition, the head of household must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

• be 62 or older; or

• receiving a total disability check.

For those who qualify, payments are made directly to the energy supplier.

The Red Cross accepts applications at its three locations twice a year.