DAYTON — The Dayton Power and Light Company (DP&L), is launching a new, customer, emergency-relief program for those struggling to pay their winter heating bills.

Gift of Power is designed to assist families during the coldest and highest heating bill months of the year.

The program goal is to prevent disconnection or help restore customers who have been disconnected. Gift of Power will aid customers who may not be eligible for Ohio Energy Assistance programs and have recently incurred a financial hardship, such as the loss of employment, major medical bills or the loss of a spouse.

“Anyone can get behind in paying their bills when the unexpected occurs, and DP&L wants to lighten that load. The Gift of Power program will help customers who are facing disconnection and need assistance with their winter heating bills. We care about our customers’ well-being, and through DP&L’s Gift of Power we can continue keeping these families warm as we enter another winter heating season,” said Tom Raga, DP&L president and CEO.

DP&L is partnering with the Salvation Army, which will administer the Gift of Power funds. The launch will be marked by a $115,000 corporate grant presented by Raga to the Salvation Army. This amount represents initial funding for the program, which starts Jan. 19 and runs through April 15.

Customers can help keep their neighbors warm by making a donation to Gift of Power or contacting the Salvation Army at 937-528-5145. For information, visit www.dpandl.com/gift.