Down times for the economy can mean tough times for families, but some cities have a way to help lighten the load of utility bills.

"We don't have a lot, and some of it is just a few cents here and there, but it does add up," she said.

The program began in 1998 when Weight noticed some residents were left out of programs when they were in need. For help with utility bills, residents can apply for state assistance with the Utah Home Energy Assistance Target program from November through March, and there is assistance available for the disabled or elderly. When a resident did not qualify for these programs, Weight said there was often nowhere they could turn.

Weight said she noticed assistance programs offered on the Questar Gas bill and the Provo City utility bill, and she asked then-mayor Hal Wing if a similar program could be created for Springville. In the past 10 years, Weight said she believes the program has done some good, and residents are grateful for the help.

"I think we've helped some people so they could get on top of it and stay on top of it," she said.

Many who have been helped have looked for ways to take only what assistance was absolutely necessary, and those who could gave back through their own power bill in later months and years. Despite the success, some changes have been made over the years to ensure that the money goes to those who need it most.

City Attorney John Penrod said changes were recently made to the hardship ordinance to clarify certain aspects, such as what qualifies as a hardship. While a committee is in place to grant assistance, Penrod said the code was not as specific as it should have been.

Some requests were made for utility help from parties that the committee did not feel should receive assistance, though Weight said those who made the request most likely were not intentionally abusing the system. After a request was made from a jailed resident who could not pay a bill, Weight said the city decided hardships that are self-imposed will not qualify for aid.

Not all requests for aid are approved, but Weight said most valid ones are. Two to three residents apply from month to month, and Weight said many more residents may need the help but choose not to tell their story to the hardship committee in order to receive money.

"You just hope that the ones that are really at their very end that have tried everything are the ones that come in," she said.

The hardship program is a last resort for residents who have tried every other avenue, and Weight said the city does not give money to those who cannot afford to ever pay a utility bill.

Residents with such high needs are sent to other resources, while those who accept the aid from the city can request it only once a year, and different aid options last for a maximum of 180 days. The money is also generally dependent on the applicant's efforts to work and earn money.

Provo City also offers assistance for utility bills, though the city is not responsible for determining which residents are eligible.

Provo City spokeswoman Helen Anderson said the city's HELP program is designed much like Springville's voluntary donations, but the money is sent each month to Community Action Services to distribute. The city also has a program to help military families, with 50 percent of the utility bill written off for up to six months.

"Since 2004, about $11,000 have been adjusted, written off or donated," she said.