2005 Fall Newsletter

ENERGY SOURCE
Fall 2005, Vol. 3

SKYROCKETING ENERGY COSTS COULD BE CATASTROPHIC
Unprecedented high energy costs, fueled in part by hurricane damage to oil refiners in the Gulf Coast, may cause catastrophic conditions for Colorado’s most vulnerable residents this winter.

Natural gas costs have tripled in the past three years and many low-income households are struggling even now to pay off high bill balances and avoid having their utilities shut off. As temperatures get colder, they will face an uphill battle to stay on top of mounting energy bills.

“For the past several months we’ve seen long lines just to get in the door to apply for energy assistance,” said Sister Karen Bland of Grand Valley Catholic Outreach in Grand Junction.

“There are just so many people in need and no other agencies in our area that have funds for energy assistance,” added Sister Karen, who sits on the Colorado Commission for Low-Income Energy Assistance. “Energy Outreach Colorado has been a lifesaver for people in this area.”

Energy Outreach is reaching into its emergency funds this fall and plans to distribute a record $6.15 million for bill payment assistance – an increase of $1 million over last year. This includes funding for the Charitable Energy Network of 92 emergency assistance sites across Colorado, which operates year round, and Colorado’s LEAP program, which operates from November through April.

EOC typically helps pay the portion of a household’s past-due energy bill that ensures their utility service isn’t shut off, so that they can then establish a plan to pay off the balance and stay current on their bills moving forward. That portion – which is paid directly to the utility company – is growing as energy costs take a larger share of low-income families’ monthly income. For the 2004-05 heating season, EOC’s average payment was about $285 – up 8 percent from the previous year.

“We’re seeing unbelievably high bills – several hundred dollars and more – from individuals and families that simply don’t know where to turn,” said Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado. “These are families that have been affected by illness or a job layoff, or senior citizens who simply can’t cut anything else out of their budgets.”

One sobering indicator is Mile High United Way’s report on 211 emergency calls. Between January and June of this year, utility bill assistance was the second most requested need behind rent assistance and was mentioned in 17 percent of all calls. In addition, a new housing study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development indicates that the number of families living in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties living below the poverty line grew more than 2 percent since the last such survey in 1995.

Unprecedented high energy costs, fueled in part by hurricane damage to oil refiners in the Gulf Coast, may cause catastrophic conditions for Colorado’s most vulnerable residents this winter.

Natural gas costs have tripled in the past three years and many low-income households are struggling even now to pay off high bill balances and avoid having their utilities shut off. As temperatures get colder, they will face an uphill battle to stay on top of mounting energy bills.

“For the past several months we’ve seen long lines just to get in the door to apply for energy assistance,” said Sister Karen Bland of Grand Valley Catholic Outreach in Grand Junction.

“There are just so many people in need and no other agencies in our area that have funds for energy assistance,” added Sister Karen, who sits on the Colorado Commission for Low-Income Energy Assistance. “Energy Outreach Colorado has been a lifesaver for people in this area.”

Energy Outreach is reaching into its emergency funds this fall and plans to distribute a record $6.15 million for bill payment assistance – an increase of $1 million over last year. This includes funding for the Charitable Energy Network of 92 emergency assistance sites across Colorado, which operates year round, and Colorado’s LEAP program, which operates from November through April.

EOC typically helps pay the portion of a household’s past-due energy bill that ensures their utility service isn’t shut off, so that they can then establish a plan to pay off the balance and stay current on their bills moving forward. That portion – which is paid directly to the utility company – is growing as energy costs take a larger share of low-income families’ monthly income. For the 2004-05 heating season, EOC’s average payment was about $285 – up 8 percent from the previous year.

“We’re seeing unbelievably high bills – several hundred dollars and more – from individuals and families that simply don’t know where to turn,” said Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado. “These are families that have been affected by illness or a job layoff, or senior citizens who simply can’t cut anything else out of their budgets.”

One sobering indicator is Mile High United Way’s report on 211 emergency calls. Between January and June of this year, utility bill assistance was the second most requested need behind rent assistance and was mentioned in 17 percent of all calls. In addition, a new housing study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development indicates that the number of families living in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties living below the poverty line grew more than 2 percent since the last such survey in 1995.

MESSAGE FROM SKIP ARNOLD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I write this letter with growing concern for Colorado’s poor and struggling families and seniors. Energy bills will be the highest they’ve ever been this winter, and more residents than ever won’t be able to afford to keep their homes warm and safe. Our limited energy assistance resources will be consumed quickly, forcing these residents – our neighbors – to make dangerous decisions.

Why is this prediction so grim? Consider this:

Of the 1.7 million households in Colorado, an alarming 22 percent – or 366,866 – are considered to be low-income.
Current industry forecasts show natural gas prices are expected to increase more than 40 percent over last year, almost three times higher than three years ago.
This dramatic increase, coupled with the rising cost of gasoline, will stretch limited dollars even thinner.
Many Colorado residents still are paying off high energy bills generated either by last winter’s record-breaking energy costs, this summer’s record-breaking heat wave, or both.
In contrast, the amount of energy assistance funding has remained level, and is expected to stay at that level again this winter.
Energy poverty is a statewide crisis we can’t afford to ignore. Thousands of Coloradans who struggle with energy bills are about to find themselves on the brink of catastrophe. They’ll be forced to make dangerous choices that may sacrifice their health and safety. This includes huddling around a stove or space heater to keep warm instead of turning on the furnace, or choosing not to purchase heart medication one month in hopes they can afford it next month.

These situations are real, and the number of families experiencing them is growing. It is our mission to reverse this trend.
Every one of us will feel the impact of record-breaking heating bills this winter, but please consider these desperate families as the temperature drops. It’s your continued support that will give them the help they need to remain safe and warm at home.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Energy Outreach Colorado is to ensure that Colorado’s low-income households can meet their home energy needs.
To learn more visit us online at www.EnergyOutreach.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James “Kent” Benham
Gayle Berry
Dian Callaghan
Melanie Daly
Adam Goldman
John Harpole
Joel Johnson
Jim Lightner
Michael McFadden
Tom O’Donnell
Mark Sexton
Mark Sunderhuse

STAFF
Skip Arnold, Executive Director
Sean Cone, Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Gremmert, Deputy Director
Peggy Hofstra, Communications Director
Jennie Miller, Assistant Deputy Director
Rose Reed, Director of Administrative Services
Bethany Therrien, Director of Web & Database Management

ENERGY SOLUTIONS GRANT AIDS COMMUNITY SHELTER
Energy Outreach Colorado recently awarded $30,000 to the Colorado Springs-based Energy Resource Center to replace the heating system for an El Paso County community shelter.

The shelter, which is run by a non-profit organization that helps victims of domestic violence, provides temporary housing for up to 30 individuals and families. The structure was built in 1894 and is heated by a boiler system. Prior to the replacement, monthly heating costs sometimes exceeded $1,000.

Energy Resource Center extensively weatherized the four-story structure, including repairing windows and doors, sealing air leaks and installing insulation. About $12,000 was invested in overhauling the antiquated boiler system and Energy Outreach funded the completion of the repaired and upgraded heating system.

“The utility bills for this shelter were astronomical, and the top floor was getting no heat at all,” said Winnie Zeisel, program manager for Energy Resource Center. “We’re grateful that Energy Outreach could help fund this project so that this critical service will continue to be available in our community. We anticipate the heating bills will be cut in half, and those funds can be put back into services for the shelter.”

The grant is part of more than $632,000 Energy Outreach Colorado awarded across the state in 2004-05 to fund energy efficiency measures and energy education.

“We’re gratified that our work with Energy Resource Center helped create a long-term solution for reducing energy usage, improving the quality of life for residents and ensuring the future viability of this shelter,” said Shelly Wallace, director of long-term solutions for Energy Outreach Colorado.

GET HELP MANAGING WINTER HEATING BILLS
Do you or someone you know need a jump start on managing winter heating bills? Come to our free Energy Assistance Expo at the Denver Department of Human Services (1200 Federal Boulevard) on Thursday, October 27, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Presented by Energy Outreach Colorado and the Colorado LEAP program, the Expo will provide information about assistance resources, bill payment arrangements and energy savings tips. Free parking is available in the Denver Human Services parking facility. Thanks to Boyer’s Coffee and Johnny’s New York Pizza for sponsoring the event.

Representatives from Energy Outreach Colorado, LEAP and Xcel Energy will be available to answer questions and help fill out applications for winter energy assistance. EOC assistance is provided year-round, and the LEAP program opens November 1st and runs through April. You must bring proof of income and a recent energy bill in order to apply. No funding will be distributed at the event.

The Expo also will offer information about Energy Savings Partners, a no-cost program that provides home weatherization services to low-income Coloradoans.
To learn more about energy assistance or to make a donation to Energy Outreach Colorado, please visit www.EnergyOutreach.org, or call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP.

BOYER’S COFFEE HELPING WARM COLORADANS
Boyer’s Coffee is sponsoring its second annual promotion to raise funds for low-income energy assistance through coffee sales.

Boyer’s, a Colorado-based, family-owned company, will donate $1 from every 2-pound bag of its popular Kona Blend coffee sold in 15 Sam’s Clubs and 50 cents from every 1-pound bag of Kona Blend sold in 11 WalMart stores from November 1, 2005, through January 31, 2006.

Funds raised will be distributed by Energy Outreach Colorado to emergency assistance agencies across the state. Boyer’s was founded in 1965 and is a strong supporter of causes important to Colorado. Last year’s promotion raised $9,200.

EOC FUNDS HABITAT’S ZERO-ENERGY HOME
Energy Outreach Colorado recently was honored by Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver for helping fund the world’s first zero-energy Habitat home.

“We’re thrilled to be involved with such an innovative and beneficial project,” said Shelly Wallace, director of EOC’s energy solutions program. “Energy Outreach was instrumental in Habitat’s decision several years ago to incorporate energy efficiency measures into its homes, and we’re proud to support the organization as it takes energy efficiency to this impressive level.”

The zero-energy home, built in Wheat Ridge, uses advanced energy technology and passive solar systems to create a home that is capable of generating more energy than it consumes.
“Our purpose is to help low-income families achieve self sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty,” said Lori Vaclavik, executive director, Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver, in a letter to Energy Outreach. “Habitat accomplishes this goal…by building homes that are affordable to purchase and affordable to maintain.”

Energy Outreach contributed $14,300 to the project to fund photovoltaic inverters, heating measures, a tankless water heater, a solar water heating system and a heat recovery ventilator.
Habitat builds homes for families in need based on “sweat equity,” meaning the family planning to live in the home must assist in its construction. The Wheat Ridge zero-
energy home went to the Whalen family – a single mom and her two sons. They’re looking forward to painting their own rooms, building a tree house and being able to afford their energy bills.

More information about programs Energy Outreach funds to help homeowners afford energy for the long-term is available on the organization’s website - www.EnergyOutreach.org.

UTILITIES HELP EOC FUNDRAISING
Energy Outreach Colorado is fortunate to receive fundraising support from most of the energy utility companies operating in the state.

This year, 13 utility companies will have inserts in their November or December bills encouraging their customers to donate to EOC. Xcel Energy provided in-kind support to design the inserts and print copies for all of its customers. Other participating utilities paid printing costs for their bill inserts.

In addition, beginning this fall, Atmos Energy is the first utility in Colorado to offer a bill check-off program to support EOC. Customers can voluntarily sign-up on the back of their Atmos Energy bill to add a tax-deductible donation to EOC on their monthly bill, and Atmos Energy will match their donation. Under legislation passed in Colorado last spring, other utilities will begin offering similar programs next fall.

Our sincere thanks to these participating utility companies for helping support energy assistance efforts across Colorado:
Atmos Energy, Aquila, Empire Electric, Grand Valley Power, Gunnison County Electric Association, Holy Cross Energy, Kinder Morgan, Mountain View Electric Association, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, San Miguel Power Association, United Power and Xcel Energy.

Five of these participating utilities will go the extra mile by matching part or all of their customers’ donations. Our special appreciation goes to Atmos, Aquila, Kinder Morgan, United Power and Empire Electric for their corporate support.

SPOTLIGHT
Energy Outreach Colorado is fortunate to have the support of corporations, foundations and individuals committed to helping all Coloradans afford home energy. We’d like to spotlight some recent donations and thank our generous donors for their continuing support:

The Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States (IPAMS) raised about $49,000 at a fundraiser held in conjunction with the IPAMS 2005 Annual Conference. The Oil & Gas Executive Late Night Players, a group of current and retired industry executives and their spouses, performed a musical presentation of “The Road to Key West.” Companies sponsoring the event included MI-SWACO, Lightner Family Fund, St. Mary Land & Exploration, Western Gas Resources, Smith Technologies, Berry Petroleum Co., Kerr McGee Corporation, Forest Oil Corporation, Cameron, Bill Barrett Corporation, Cross H Foundation, BJ Services, Chevron, Banko Petroleum Management, Dupre Interests, Merit Energy, Plains Exploration & Production, Schlumberger, Laramie Energy, Cordillera Energy Partners, El Paso Western Pipeline, MDU Resources, Ward Polzin, James Schroeder, and Williams.

Aquila, which provides utility service to 140,000 customers in southern Colorado, donated $27,000 through its Aquila Cares program. The utility company also matches up to $250,000 in customer and employee contributions across its seven-state service area and will be adding a donation form to its monthly statements.

National Fuel Marketing, a Denver-based natural gas marketing company, raised $21,000 for EOC at its Natural Gas Industry Charity Golf Tournament. Other companies that contributed to the event included National Fuel Corporation, Colorado Interstate Gas/El Paso Pipelines, the Bank of Oklahoma, Duke Energy Field Services and Noble Energy.
The Mile High Oilmen Association raised approximately $10,000 for EOC at their annual golf tournament. The event brought together representatives from Colorado’s oil and gas industry, including Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Orion Energy, Berry Petroleum Co. and BJ Services.
Organizers of the U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament donated 100 commemorative jackets to be distributed to emergency assistance agencies in EOC’s Charitable Energy Network.

Xcel Energy and Pepsi Center in Denver are continuing a promotion to raise funds for EOC. Xcel Energy has a photo kiosk in its Power Zone showcase outside section 102 at the Pepsi Center where sports fans can pay $10 to pose in a Denver Nuggets, Colorado Crush, Colorado Avalanche or Colorado Mammoth poster and receive a customized print on-site. The Power Shot promotion runs through May and net proceeds go to Energy Outreach.

On November 15, the Culver’s® restaurant in Colorado Springs will donate 10 percent of sales as part of its “Day of Warmth” partnership with Energy Outreach Colorado. Culver’s® is located near Powers and Constitution at 2529 New Center Point in Colorado Springs. All funds collected from the Culver’s® Day of Warmth will stay in El Paso County to help needy Coloradans with their heating bills.

NFFN HONORS KAREN BROWN
The National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN) of Washington, D.C., recently presented Karen Brown, former executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado, its 2005 Sister Pat Kelley Award.

NFFN’s highest honor recognizes achievement in battling energy poverty, including raising public awareness of the issue, advancing public policy to help solve the problem and promoting charitable energy assistance for residents in immediate need. Brown, now head of Denver-based Energy Strategy and Solutions, was recognized largely for her tenure from 1991 to 2003 with Energy Outreach, then known as the Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation. Through her leadership, it became one of the largest private, non-profit fuel funds in the country.

“Karen redefined how fuel funds can and should advocate on behalf of our nation’s six million poor and low-income who can not afford energy – a basic necessity of our times,” said Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado, who replaced Brown in the position in 2003. “I’m gratified to see her efforts are receiving worthy recognition.”

EOC WINS COMMUNICATIONS HONORS
The National Fuel Funds Network also presented Energy Outreach Colorado with top honors at its 2005 National Media Fair. EOC was recognized as the first-place overall winner in the professionally produced media category. To receive this distinction, EOC placed among the top three organizations in the categories of broadcast news coverage, newsletter, published news article, web site, television PSA, and annual report.

EOC’S ENERGY HOG GOES NATIONAL
The public awareness campaign founded by Energy Outreach Colorado and the Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation to increase public awareness about energy efficiency has found a new home with the Alliance to Save Energy.

Based in Washington, D.C., the Alliance to Save Energy is the new non-profit sponsor of the national Energy Hog campaign which was created by the Ad Council. Joining the ranks of other famous Ad Council characters such as Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog, the Energy Hog is featured in television and radio public service advertisements as a “spokesvillain” who wastes energy.

Energy Outreach Colorado and the OEMC continue to support the public awareness campaign along with 19 other federal, state, corporate and non-profit sponsors. The campaign is geared to educating youth ages 8-13 about simple steps for saving energy and reducing home energy bills, and includes advertising, school outreach and an interactive web site (www.energyhog.org).

“As energy prices continue to rise, this awareness campaign is more important than ever,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “Only by becoming more energy-efficient can we hope to lower our nation’s energy use and help ease the burden of high energy prices for the benefit of our economy, environment and national security.”

As a continuing benefit of founding the Energy Hog Campaign, Energy Outreach is receiving a $25,000 grant from the Alliance to Save Energy to fund this year’s Energy Hog Traveling Road Show. This is a free elementary school program for grades 3-6 in income-qualifying schools throughout Colorado. Students learn about where energy comes from, how energy is used, how energy is wasted and how to save energy.

Since the Energy Hog Traveling Road Show was created in 2003, it has visited 92 schools and reached more than 11,000 students and families. For more information about this program, contact Shelly Wallace at 303-825-8750 ext. 230.

CHARITABLE ENERGY NETWORK
Energy Outreach Colorado provides funding to the following agencies:
Adams County Housing Authority
Adventist Community Service
Advocates Against Domestic Violence
Almost Home
Association for Senior Citizens
Aurora InterChurch Task Force
Boulder County AIDS Project
Brain Injury Association, Colorado
Broadway Assistance Center
Care and Share
Caring Ministries, Morgan County
Castle Rock Community Inter-Church Task Force
Catholic Charities, Denver
Catholic Charities, Pueblo
City of Arvada Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization
Clear Creek Department of Human Services
Colorado East Community Action Agency
Colorado Health Network
Community Budget Center
Community Emergency Assistance Coalition
Community Ministry
Community United Methodist Church, Pagosa Springs
Cooperating Ministry, Logan County
Cross Community Coalition
Crossroads Ministry, Estes Park
Denver Indian Health and Family Services
Denver Urban Ministries
Emergency Family Assistance Association
EMPOWERMENT
Family & Intercultural Resource Center
First Mennonite Church
First Presbyterian Church, Salida
Grand Valley Catholic Outreach
Gunnison/Hinsdale County Department of Human Services
Help the Needy
Helping Hearts and Hands
Holy Cross Energy
House of Neighborly Service
Independent Life Center
Inter-Church ARMS
Inter-Faith Community Services
Jackson County Department of Human Services
Jeffco Action Center
La Puente Home
Lake County Health and Human Services
Las Animas Helping Hands
Lift-Up, Routt County
Loaves and Fishes Ministry
Lowry Family Center
MADA
Manna House
Metro CareRing
Mountain Family Center
Mountain Resource Center
National MS Society, Colorado
Northern Churches Care
Northern Colorado AIDS Project
OUR Center
Phillips County Department of Human Services
Pinon Project
POCCAA
Pregnancy Resource Center
Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers Foundation
Rural Communities Resource Center
Salvation Army, Colorado Springs
Salvation Army, Denver
Salvation Army, Teller County
Salvation Army, Vail Valley
San Juan Cooperative Parish
San Pedro Mesa Volunteer Fire Department
Sedgwick County Economic Development
Senior Support Services
Seniors! Inc.
Seniors’ Resource Center
Sense of Security
South Central Council of Governments
Southern Colorado AIDS Project
St. Vincent De Paul Society
The Home Front Cares
The Stand in the Gap Project
Tri-Lakes Cares
United Methodist Church, Dove Creek
Western Colorado AIDS Project

COOL TEMPERATURES ARE BLOWING IN
Check out these seven simple steps to ensure your home is ready for the heating season!
Insulate: Insulating attics and walls, as well as weatherizing doors and windows, is key to preventing conditioned air from escapng your home.
Caulking & Weatherstripping: Feel cold drafts around windows and doors? Be sure to apply caulk or weatherstripping to prevent conditioned air from escaping and cold air from coming in.
Heating: For every one degree you turn your thermostat back you can save three to five percent on your energy bill. Keep your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower and put a sweater on if it gets chilly.
Programmable Thermostats: Installing a programmable thermostat helps you save money and keeps your home comfortable by automatically adjusting your temperature settings while you’re asleep or away.
Furnace: Replace an old inefficient furnace with a high efficient (92% AFUE) furnace. No matter what kind of furnace you have be sure to replace furnace filters every two to four months.
Lights: Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), which cut your lighting costs in half. CFLs also last seven to ten times longer than an incandescent bulb.
Water heating: On average, 14 percent of your energy bill goes to heating water. Take short showers and run dishwashers and washing machines only when they are fully loaded. Don’t forget to wrap your water heater with an insulation blanket and keep temperatures set at or below 120 degrees.