Alliant Energy and community partners have launched “Project ReConnect,” a program to fund electrical repairs that will allow power to be restored following the Aug. 10 derecho. As power restores to communities, Alliant reports many customers are unable to receive power due to extensive damage to homeowners’ exterior electrical system, which is the responsibility of the customer. Alliant Energy is partnering with United Way of East Central Iowa, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Mid-Iowa Community Action and Community Action of Easter Iowa to assist customers who can’t afford an electrician to make necessary repairs to their home. Project ReConnect will cover costs for a licensed electrician to make repairs, which can be up to $1,500. Customers in need of assistance are asked to contact their local community action agency to apply. Alliant Energy provided an initial $250,000 to the project; more information is available online.