August 20, 2025
When a community works together to help people in need, every act of generosity counts.
That’s the purpose of The Power of Change, a program that allows Starkville Utilities customers to round up their bills to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to the Starkville Community Foundation. Donations fund emergency utility bill-payment assistance for qualifying Oktibbeha County residents.
“We know there are local residents who may be going through difficult times and can’t afford everyday necessities like rent, food, medicine and utilities,” said Edward Kemp, general manager, Starkville Utilities. “The Power of Change is a way that customers can help make our community stronger by supporting the most vulnerable and working families in need.”
When customers enroll in The Power of Change, they have the option to round up bill amounts to the nearest dollar. For example, if a bill is $82.38, the amount will be rounded up to $83. The added 62 cents will go directly to the Starkville Community Foundation. Customers also have the option of making a one-time donation or a set amount each month.
“There are times when people are one bad bill away from being evicted,” said Alison Buehler, Finance and Outreach chair for the Starkville Community Foundation. “We try to help them stay in their homes and provide tools they can use to be more self-sufficient. Thanks to the generosity of Starkville Utilities customers, we can help more families avoid eviction and give them peace of mind that they’re part of a community that cares.”
To be eligible for Starkville Community Foundation assistance, participants must complete an energy-efficiency training program to reduce electricity bills, and prepare a household budget to help keep their accounts in good standing.
Customers interested in signing up for The Power of Change can learn how by completing the enrollment form: https://www.starkvilleutilities.com/about/power_of_change.phtml.
Making utilities more affordable is a focus area for Starkville Utilities through services such as payment due-date extensions, Budget Billing, Pick-A-Due Date and an upgraded SmarthHub portal.
“As a provider of essential services for Starkville, we’re always looking for ways to do more for our customers and for our community,” Kemp said.
Starkville Utilities is a municipally owned and operated electric and water utility, serving more than 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville as well as the state’s largest institution of higher learning, Mississippi State University.