With more than a quarter of this year's funding unallocated, administrators of Dunedin's Electricity Consumers Fund are worried some people may be struggling needlessly with power bills.
The $200,000 pool, which is funded by the Dunedin City Council and administered by Anglican Family Care, covers the financial year to July 1.
In previous years, the fund has run out in six months, but Anglican Family Care child and family support services manager Kathy Richards said recently about $55,000 remained.
Having so much money remaining was a concern and the organisation was in the process of promoting it to people who have not used it, she said.
"There is probably another generation of people out there who have never had an opportunity to access it.
"We would like to make sure that those who do need it can get it."
Mrs Richards was "very happy" the council continued to renew the grant, despite it being "continually under threat", but said "we prefer not to have extra money" left over.
In order to be eligible for the up-to $350, one-off grant, people needed to be receiving budgeting support.
To apply, contact Anglican Family Care, Catholic Social Services, Corpac Trust, Dunedin Budget Advisory Service, Presbyterian Support Otago Family Works, or the Salvation Army.
