ENERGY SOURCE
Spring 2006, Vol. 1

ENERGY OUTREACH WORKING TO FILL FUNDING GAP FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE
When Energy Outreach Colorado released its 2005 Report to the Community in December, we highlighted a $21 million gap between the state’s anticipated need for energy assistance this winter and the amount of funding available from Energy Outreach and the Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
This ever-widening gap is caused by skyrocketing energy costs, a growing number of families seeking assistance and an inadequate level of federal funding that hasn’t budged since President Carter’s administration.
For example, the average energy assistance payment for Colorado households in 2004-05 was $366 – enough to cover little more than one month’s bill. This year, just to keep pace with an anticipated 45% increase in energy costs, the average benefit would need to increase to $530 just to stay even. Yet, the average payment as of the end of January was about $300.
Fortunately, Energy Outreach and others are close to filling this year’s gap. On Feb. 3, Gov. Bill Owens signed legislation to allocate $20 million in mineral and energy severance taxes paid to the state for energy assistance. This includes $17 million for the Colorado LEAP program and $3 million for Energy Outreach Colorado. In addition, $4 million goes to the Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC). The legislation also designates that an additional $7 million will go toward energy assistance and about $4 million to the OEMC in each of the next three years.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that Gov. Bill Owens and the Colorado Assembly recognize how critical it is for our state that all residents can afford home energy, and that the foundation has been laid to accomplish this,” said Skip Arnold, Energy Outreach executive director. “We thank all of the many supporters who have worked so hard and given so much this year to turn the tide on this desperate situation.”
Earlier this winter, EOC sponsored a Low-Income Energy Forum to highlight the critical energy situation facing low-income Coloradans. Participants included experts from the energy industry, low-income energy assistance providers and community leaders. Tom Petrie of Petrie, Parkman & Co., an internally-known energy analyst, was the keynote speaker. The event was underwritten by Janus Institutional Asset Management and helped generate thousands of dollars in donations to Energy Outreach.
Speaker of the House, Representative Andrew Romanoff of Denver introduced the session by saying, “There may be a place where it’s okay to have to choose between paying for home energy or food, but it is not here. Not in Colorado.”

MESSAGE FROM SKIP ARNOLD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When Mother Nature or the global economy impact energy prices in Colorado, there’s not much we can do. Along with all of you, we’ve heard how everything from hurricanes in the Gulf Coast to increasing demand for energy in China has factored into rising costs, particularly for natural gas. We understand that utility companies have no choice but to pass these costs on to their customers.
However, when Xcel Energy filed a rate case last summer asking for a $34.5 million increase for its natural gas business, we got involved as one of the state’s main advocates for low-income residents. We joined forces with AARP to intervene in the case before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Our mission was to ensure that the interests of limited-income families, seniors on fixed incomes and individuals with special needs were factored into the equation and that the outcome would be equitable for all Coloradans.
After months of negotiations, Xcel Energy, state regulators and other interested parties – including Energy Outreach and AARP – reached a settlement that goes into effect this month. Instead of receiving an additional $34.5 million, Xcel Energy will collect an additional $22.5 million – a savings of $12 million for Colorado ratepayers.
Although we regret the need for any increase at all, we support this settlement and believe it is an acceptable outcome for all involved. We’re pleased that Xcel Energy listened to our arguments and agreed to shift the major impact of this increase away from residential consumers. As a result, the total impact to residential base rates – the variable portion of the bill that is based on actual usage – will be an increase of 4.9%, which is far less than the proposed 13.59%.
The overall impact of this settlement is an average increase for residential customers of 73 cents a month, or about $8.76 a year. This is much easier to swallow than the original request, which would have meant an average residential increase of $2.02 a month, or about $24 per year.
Colorado is fortunate that Xcel Energy is the leading utility company in the country as far as its support of energy assistance and other programs that assist income-limited customers. This was demonstrated last fall by the utility’s $2 million donation to Energy Outreach and commitment to match up to $1 million more in customer contributions.
We’re also gratified that Coloradans are so generous and caring of their neighbors. In spite of the fact that increased energy prices have jolted everyone, many of our donors have increased their gifts this year to help with this crisis situation.
Thank you. It takes all of us, together, to generate the power to help.

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
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
Shelly Wallace, Director of Long-term Energy Solutions

ENERGY ASSISTANCE EXPOS HIGHLIGHT AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Energy Outreach recently took part in several outreach efforts across the Front Range to encourage income-limited families, seniors and individuals with special needs to apply for energy assistance.
The awareness campaign kicked off last fall with an Energy Assistance Expo presented by Energy Outreach at the Denver Department of Human Services. Volunteers from Energy Outreach, Colorado LEAP and Xcel Energy helped hundreds of residents complete energy assistance applications, make bill payment arrangements and learn about energy-saving methods and home weatherization services. Sponsorship was provided by Colorado Access and Johnny’s New York Pizza.
The Louisville Recreation and Senior Center hosted another Energy Assistance Expo attended by Energy Outreach and the Boulder County LEAP program. The Larimer County United Way program coordinated three outreach programs in Fort Collins, Estes Park and Loveland in conjunction with Catholic Charities, the House of Neighborly Service and United Way’s 211 program, as well as Energy Outreach and LEAP.
Selena Jaramillo, a community resource coordinator who organized the Louisville event, works with many senior citizens who are having trouble making ends meet. “I know of one woman living on Social Security who has lived in her home for 63 years, and she can no longer afford food or medicine even though her house is paid for,” she said.
“If people can’t afford to remain in their own homes, then that’s a big problem,” she added. “Everything’s getting more expensive – water, heat, cable television, trash removal – and it’s really worrying senior citizens.”

ASSISTANCE HELPS FAMILY THROUGH TRAGEDY
Married nearly 10 years with two children and a wonderful husband, Shannon Heit was enjoying life as a busy stay-at-home mother. Then, in the blink of an eye, her 51-year-old husband, Jim, suffered a fatal heart attack and she was left with only his Social Security benefit to support her family.
With her youngest child, Bradyn, still in preschool, her daughter, Brandee, in elementary school, and with no funds for full-time daycare, the Denver resident first turned to her parents and other family members for help.
“They helped as much as they could, but I couldn’t expect my parents and family to keep paying my bills,” said Shannon, adding that Jim, who had been a roofing contractor, had a life insurance policy but payment was denied because he smoked and had once been treated for a virus that was classified as a lung ailment.
Faced with that devastating news, she refinanced their home and looked into getting training to do medical transcriptions. As the balance on her home energy bill grew, she applied for assistance through Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and continued to pay as much toward her bill as she could.
Still, the day came when she received a shut-off notice. She called the Salvation Army and asked for assistance. Several days later she received a return call saying that Energy Outreach Colorado funds had been used to pay off the balance owed on her energy bill.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I never knew there was help like this. There are so many people willing to help and resources that people don’t know about that can make a huge difference in the life of someone like me. People shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Today, Shannon is working toward becoming a dental assistant. Six-year-old Bradyn is in first grade and a member of Cub Scouts, and 12-year-old Brandee is enjoying soccer and playing the flute.
“My mom was a single mom who held three jobs,” said Shannon, noting how difficult it was for them. “I really hope to be there for my kids when they get home from school,” she added. “That’s what Jim and I wanted.”

ENERGY OUTREACH PROMOTING EFFICIENCY TO BUILDERS
Energy Outreach recently launched a pilot training program with Habitat for Humanity of Colorado and Metro Denver to promote the importance of energy efficiency to affordable housing organizations.
The program provided information about the most effective energy efficiency measures, the costs of incorporating them and the eventual cost-savings to the owner. Attendees received a comprehensive resource packet that included lists of certified energy raters and funding sources for energy efficiency measures, and information about other energy efficiency programs such as Energy Star.
“It’s been a valuable experience working with these affordable housing experts because we’re learning as much from them as they are from us,” said Shelly Wallace, director of Energy Outreach’s Energy Solutions Grants program. “We can better appreciate their perspective and the challenges of including energy efficiencies in affordable housing so that we can address and resolve them.”
Energy Outreach selected Habitat for Humanity for the pilot program because the organization already has shown a strong commitment to energy efficiency in Colorado. The Colorado Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation partnered with Energy Outreach to sponsor this program.
Three free, one-day training sessions were offered to those involved in Habitat for Humanity construction projects, including board members, construction crews and housing authority representatives. Participants visited a Habitat for Humanity home at frame stage for a hands-on tour and demonstration of the proper installation techniques and the impact of energy efficiency measures. They also received an in-depth tour of the Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver’s Zero Energy Home, another project sponsored by Energy Outreach.
Wallace said Energy Outreach hopes to offer the program to other organizations involved in affordable housing projects across the state. She added, “This program illustrates Energy Outreach Colorado’s increased investment in efficiency and education initiatives that help residents better afford home energy for the long-term.”

AQUILA EXPANDING ENERGY ASSISTANCE SUPPORT
Aquila, Inc., which operates electric and natural gas utilities with 1.3 million customers in Colorado and the Midwest, is boosting its support of energy assistance.
The company recently added $125,000 to its Aquila Cares program, bringing the total to $625,000. Combined with employee and customer contributions, which Aquila matches up to $375,000, the Aquila Cares program is providing $1 million this year. The program helps qualifying Aquila customers pay a portion of their energy bills and make emergency repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.
In Colorado, Aquila provides electric and gas service to areas between Canon City and Burlington. Energy Outreach Colorado distributes the portion of Aquila Cares funds that go to customers in the state.
“We recognize the difficulty that higher energy costs cause many customers,” said Gary Stone, Aquila’s operating vice president in Colorado. “We will be working with other organizations and companies to create more opportunities to assist customers in need.”
In January, Aquila added a check-off box to customer bills that allows them to easily donate a monthly amount to Aquila Cares. The company also has a Round Up program that allows customers to round up their bills to the next higher dollar as a contribution to Aquila Cares.

AQUILA CARES HELPS PUEBLO MOM
Although she faces many hardships, Michelle Sena now has one less thing to worry about thanks to Aquila and Energy Outreach Colorado.
The single mother of two children struggles with a particularly heart-wrenching burden – her 14-year-old son, Benito, suffers from muscular dystrophy and relies on a respirator.
The Pueblo family’s sole income is from Social Security. Michelle received aid from local assistance agencies and made payment arrangements with Aquila, but she still wasn’t able to keep up with her mounting electric bill. When the balance grew to more than $600, she didn’t know where else to turn.
Fortunately, an Aquila customer service representative brought Sena’s desperate situation to the attention of Mary Wilson, customer operations supervisor in Pueblo. Wilson contacted Roger Kort, Aquila’s external affairs manager for Colorado. He called Energy Outreach Colorado.
Based on Kort’s request, Energy Outreach provided funds to pay off Sena’s energy bill balance so that she could afford her monthly bill moving forward.
“We knew this was important to Roger and to Aquila, and we felt it was an extraordinary situation that justified this level of assistance,” said Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach executive director. “We value our partnership with Aquila and admire their commitment to supporting energy assistance.”

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:

COLORADO AVALANCHE SHARE THE WARMTH
Skip Arnold, pictured at left, represents Energy Outreach Colorado at a recent check presentation by the Colorado Avalanche Community Fund, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. Energy Outreach received $15,000 for energy assistance from the foundation.

ENERGY OUTREACH DISTRIBUTES NEW ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS
Energy Outreach Colorado is contributing nearly $500,000 in grants to 12 Colorado organizations in 2005-06 to fund energy efficiency upgrades for new and renovated affordable housing projects across the state. Upgrades include high efficient heating systems, solar hot water systems, insulation, air sealing, compact fluorescent lighting, ENERGY STAR® appliances, and energy bill analysis.
As a result, residents will use less energy to heat and light their homes, allowing them to stay warm and safe while reducing their energy bills.
“We can’t control how high energy prices will climb, but we can control how much we use,” said Shelly Wallace, Energy Outreach’s director of long-term energy solutions. “Programs to make homes more efficient and teach residents how to use less energy are essential to helping them become healthy and stable for the long-term.”
The grants include:

“The interest in energy efficient housing projects and conservation education has increased among developers, educators and donors since our long-term energy solutions program began nearly 10 years ago,” said Wallace. “I expect interest will only grow as energy costs continue to climb.”
A complete list of grant recipients and projects is available at www.EnergyOutreach.org.

THOUSANDS OF COATS HELP KEEP COLORADANS WARM
Jennie Miller and Shelly Wallace from Energy Outreach help sort more than 3,600 coats for Energy Outreach’s Charitable Energy Network. This is the seventh year that Energy Outreach, together with WB2 and the Denver Mattress Company, has sponsored this effort.

ENERGIZING THE STOCK SHOW
The Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States (IPAMS) and Energy Outreach Colorado shared a booth at the 100th Annual National Western Stock Show to provide visitors with energy efficiency information and applications for energy assistance. Volunteers at the booth talked with visitors about Colorado’s natural gas production and the rising cost of energy. IPAMS and many of its members are strong supporters of Energy Outreach.

CHARITABLE ENERGY NETWORK
Energy Outreach Colorado is providing $6.15 million in 2005–06 energy assistance 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
PRC
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
Tri-Lakes Cares
United Methodist Church, Dove Creek
Western Colorado AIDS Project

SENSE OF SECURITY
Sense of Security is one of more than 85 emergency assistance agencies to which Energy Outreach Colorado is providing a 2005-06 energy assistance grant. The Broomfield-based organization was founded six years ago because of one woman’s story.
This woman was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy. During her treatment, there were 13 weeks between when her short-term disability ended and her long-term disability began. She came very close to being forced to sell her house.
Her friend and colleague, Vicki Tosher, co-founded Sense of Security with Angela Ricker. The non-profit organization helps Colorado breast cancer patients in treatment pay for non-medical expenses. Each client is eligible to receive up to $1,000 a month for housing, transportation, groceries and other necessary expenses, including home energy. About 50 percent of the organization’s funding is generated through grants. Energy Outreach Colorado granted $12,600 to the agency for 2005-06.
“We’re very fortunate to have the fundraising support of Energy Outreach,” said Ricker, the agency’s executive director. “With dollars provided specifically for energy assistance, we can use additional funding to better meet our clients’ other numerous needs.”
Since its inception, Sense of Security has helped stabilize the lives of nearly 300 women by committing more than $600,000. More information is available on the organization’s website – www.SenseofSecurity.org.

MAKE SURE TO STAY SAFE WHILE KEEPING WARM
With warmer spring temperatures still a few weeks off, please take extra caution to stay safe while keeping your home cozy.
“This time of year people often take extra steps to keep their homes warm, such as lighting a fire in the fireplace or even using a space heater,” said Shelly Wallace, director of energy education for Energy Outreach Colorado. “With heating bills as high as they’ve been, some people may try new ways to save money and may not take all the precautions necessary to stay safe.”
Wallace offered these safety tips to consider for keeping your home safe and warm:
Check annually that heating vents are unblocked and working properly and that your furnace is cleaned and maintained. Change furnace filters once every two months throughout the year and do not store flammable liquids in the same room.
Check that power and extension cords are certified by an independent testing laboratory and aren’t frayed, cracked or cut. Follow the rating for indoor or outdoor use.
Install a carbon monoxide alarm to detect dangerous build-ups of unvented carbon monoxide from fueled heaters or other sources.
If you use a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually and use a sturdy fireplace screen. Do not burn trash because it can burn too quickly and intensely.
Watch candles carefully and use sturdy, safe candleholders that can collect dripping wax. Keep them away from children and anything that can ignite, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains and flammable liquids. Don’t place lit candles in windows, where blinds or curtains can close over or come in contact with them. Blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Keep working flashlights on hand and avoid using a candle for emergency lighting.
Wallace noted that portable space heaters aren’t the most efficient or safe way to heat your home, but if you choose to use them, please follow these safety steps. “In no circumstances should you use your oven as a heating source because it can be very dangerous and result in a fire or a serious burn,” she added.
Make sure your portable electric space heater carries the mark of an independent testing laboratory (US, CSA or ETL) and has an automatic shut-off feature that activates if it is tipped over.
Operate a portable space heater only when an adult is in the room and keep it at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture, clothing, bedding and people.