Power in community: Neighbors rally to reconnect woman living without electricity for months

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) — A Pike County woman who spent 10 weeks without electricity has had her power restored after neighbors and community groups rallied to help pay off more than $3,700 in outstanding bills.

Kathy Johnson said the weight of piling bills forced her to make tough decisions while living on a fixed income.

“She’s on a fixed income, Social Security. Her power bill was about as much as her income,” said James Mullins, one of Johnson’s concerned neighbors. “And still trying to pay the car insurance, have monthly food and gas and other necessities, medical… just had to pick and choose which ones can you have.”

Without electricity through the start of summer, Johnson said she felt disconnected from day-to-day necessities, like food and hot water. She has been visiting neighbors during the day to find a little retreat from the heat and sweating through the nights in her home.

Last week, in preparation for the higher temperatures, she began sorting through a lifetime of belongings for a garage sale she never wanted to have.

“It’s tough. It really is,” Johnson said.

Mullins said neighbors checked on Johnson, found her fans and a small generator and brought meals, water and cold rags to help her cope with the heat.

“We’ve had people bring her dinners throughout the day to make sure she’s ate,” Mullins said.

“Because I hadn’t for a while,” Johnson said.

After an online call to action Sunday, Mullins said donations began coming in from the surrounding community. He said community members, the East Kentucky Dream Center and local photographer Kenzi Moon helped rally support to get Johnson’s electricity turned back on.

“I wanna thank them so much. They have done so much. It is fantastic. It really is. It’s surprising sometimes,” Johnson said.

The donations covered Johnson’s past-due balance and reconnect fee. Her electricity was restored Tuesday.

Johnson described the moment the power returned as emotional.

“I started jumping and went, ‘Oh my God, it’s back on,’” she said.

Mullins said Johnson called him to let him know the news and said she had already turned on the air conditioning in celebration.

“I slept so good last night. Yes,” Johnson said.

Even with the service restored, Johnson said she plans to continue the garage sale to restock her refrigerator and prepare for the next bill, but said her most precious memories are no longer for sale.

Mullins said it’s heartbreaking to watch someone next door give up so much simply to survive, and he hopes others facing similar hardships feel comfortable asking for help from those who surround them, since the true power is found in community.

“It’s just a shame that our elderly and stuff has to pick and choose if they want medical that month, or if they want food that month, or power or water. It’s just a shame they have to pick and choose like that,” Mullins said.

He added that a group is expected to come to Johnson’s home this week to assess how to weatherproof it and optimize energy use to help avoid future issues with high bills.