News Release

Huntsville Utilities Customers Can Support Hurricane Relief When Paying Bill

September 15, 2005

Huntsville Utilities is joining the disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.

"Huntsville Utilities has partnered with the local chapters of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army to accept donations for hurricane relief much like we accept donations for Project Share," stated utility spokesman Bill Yell.

A area has been added to the monthly bill so that customers can add their donation to the Hurricane Relief efforts when they pay their bill.

Donations made now through October will be given to the American Red Cross, and donations in the month of November will go to the Salvation Army for Hurricane Relief.

Just like Project Share, 100% of all donations will go directly to these two agencies.

The governing boards of the utility have authorized for electric, water and gas crews to go to affected areas to help coastal communities in the upcoming months in repairing their utility systems. The first crew left on Saturday, Sept. 10 for Picayune, Mississippi to help Coastal Mississippi Electric Cooperative in restoring power. The boards also gave approval of five days of additional annual leave for employees who wish to volunteer their services to a verified organization to help in affected areas with relief efforts.

HU has also become involved in other efforts to support hurricane relief.

-HU will participate in local job fairs aimed at helping evacuees find employment and start their lives over.

-Some unoccupied office space in three of the utilities' office buildings may be offered to small businesses to help evacuees as they start new lives in Huntsville.

-The boards also approved for the Water Department to bottle water that can be sent to affected areas that still must rely on bottled water.

-The utility has also been approved to help utility organizations in the storm-damaged areas with locating materials and storage of materials if they should need this assistance.

-HU employees are also assisting with efforts to collect food, clothing and supplies that will be used in relief efforts.