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2010 Partner of the Year |
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History of Energy
Outreach Colorado |
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In 1989, Colorado was one of the first
states in the nation to recognize the need to help low-income residents
pay their winter heating bills. Although the federal Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) had been in existence since 1980, public funding for energy assistance was reduced by 33 percent in 1988 and there was no program in place to fill the gap. State leaders recognized that helping families and seniors avoid utility shut-offs helped reduce homelessness and supported healthy and safe communities. In 1988, Governor Roy Romer signed an executive order to establish a state commission to determine how to raise additional energy assistance funding for Colorado. On June 6, 1989, the Colorado Commission on Low Income Energy Assistance established the Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation - now known as Energy Outreach Colorado. The new organization was supported by energy providers and corporations operating in the state, as well as individual donors. Through corporations, in-kind donations and volunteers, this unique collaboration grew into a self-sustaining, independent non-profit that operates year-round across the state. Since then, its mission has expanded to include weatherization programs and advocacy as well as energy assistance. Its programs and funding levels have grown exponentially, as has the critical need for its services. Today, Energy Outreach Colorado is one of the largest and most innovative organizations of its kind in the country. Since its inception, it has raised more than $120 million to support energy affordability in the state. |
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