US clean energy company Avangrid, along with the Avangrid Foundation, will commit $2m to support national and local organisations that are helping vulnerable communities deal with the coronavirus impact.
Avangrid will commit $1m in corporate funds that will be distributed across its service territories to support emergency needs in communities at the state and local level.
The Avangrid family of companies includes Avangrid Renewables and eight electric and natural gas companies in New York, Maine, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The Avangrid Foundation, which partnered with over 300 organisations across more than 30 states last year, has designated an incremental $1m for crisis response that will be directed to partners nationwide that are providing emergency response and community support during the pandemic.
The foundation is the energy company’s primary charitable arm and an independent, non-profit organisation.
Its mission includes investing in partners who support community resiliency, disaster preparedness and at-risk groups. The foundation also invests in education, arts, cultural heritage and the environment.
“As a provider of critical electric and gas services, Avangrid understands the need for rapid response and is no stranger to working on the frontline of a crisis. We’re proud to offer a steady and helping hand to those who support the most vulnerable among us, particularly during these challenging times,” said Jim Torgerson, foundation president and Avangrid chief executive.
“We are determined to help address the pandemic’s economic, social and health ramifications. Our communities are in need, and we will stand by them.”
The Avangrid companies have already taken steps to protect the health and safety of employees and contractors, assist customers, prevent service interruptions, and address potential COVID-19 economic impacts.
The group companies are also addressing the financial impacts of an extended public health crisis on customers, as all Avangrid Networks companies have announced suspension of service shut offs for non-payment, and they have begun communicating with customers about programmes and resources that can help customers manage bills and reduce energy usage.
In addition, the companies have been working closely with emergency services, critical care facilities and hospitals to ensure continuity of service.