The Memphis Light, Gas and Water Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 on Wednesday in favor of program changes that will make its Share the Pennies an opt-out program instead of opt-in, which it currently is.

The program change is expected to take effect Jan. 1, 2018. Prior to automatically enrolling all customers into Share the Pennies, MLGW is rolling out an education campaign in July 2017 to make customers aware of the change, highlight the program’s benefit to the community and explain options for opting out.

Customers who do not want to participate in the Share the Pennies program can opt-out beginning July 2017.

Started in 2013, Share the Pennies is a voluntary program that provides grants for home weatherization projects for low-income MLGW customers to help reduce wasted energy. Participating customers have their utility costs rounded up to the next dollar, and the extra change goes toward weatherization grants.

Currently, seniors and disabled customers who meet low-income and other requirements can apply for grants of up to $1,500 to reduce wasted energy in their homes. The board-approved changes expand Share the Pennies to include all low-income customers in MLGW’s service area as potential beneficiaries. Grant amounts could also increase, depending on how funding changes with higher customer participation levels.

Share the Pennies is not a bill assistance program. Funds for weatherization improvements are only available for residential homeowners. Rental properties are ineligible.

For more information about Share the Pennies and the changes approved by the board, visit http://mlgw.com/sharethepennies.