• Between Oct. 1, 2005 and June 1, 2006, Energy Outreach Colorado and the Colorado LEAP program helped more than 114,000 households pay a portion of their energy bills, an increase of about 15 percent over last year.
• Between Oct. 1, 2005 and Sept. 30, 2006, EOC plans to distribute $7.65 million in energy assistance, an increase of $1.5 million compared to last year.
• Due to increasing energy bills, the average Energy Outreach Colorado benefit provided to each household increased by about 19 percent to $327, compared to $274 in 2004-05.
• The 2005-06 average Colorado LEAP benefit, which EOC helped fund, increased by about 50% to $550, compared to $366 in 2004-05.
• Energy assistance payments were made directly to energy providers as credits to the bills of approved recipients. Providers included vendors and utility companies across Colorado that sell coal, kerosene, fuel, oil, natural gas, electricity, firewood and propane. Energy assistance payments help reduce collection costs for providers, and thus reduce the impact on rates for all customers.

ENERGY OUTREACH COLORADO OUTLOOK, SUMMER 2006
By Skip Arnold, Executive Director
Energy Outreach Colorado has been working strenuously to educate state leaders, the utility industry and regulators about the critical need for additional energy assistance funding in Colorado. We’ve demonstrated that one in five Coloradans are at risk of having their energy shut off each winter and that skyrocketing energy prices have created a growing gap between available funding and the need for assistance.

Fortunately, our efforts are beginning to pay off for the working families, seniors and individuals with special needs that depend on energy assistance to keep their homes livable. This fall, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program which was signed into law in May 2005 goes into effect. Basically, it requires all gas and electric utility companies operating in the state to help raise funds for energy assistance. The largest investor-owned utilities – Xcel Energy, Atmos Energy, Aquila, Kinder Morgan, Eastern Colorado Utilities and Colorado Natural Gas – will provide a check-box on customer bills to allow monthly donations through energy bill payments.

Earlier this year, in response to testimony from Energy Outreach Colorado and our partners, Colorado Governor Bill Owens and the state legislature allocated $20 million from state mineral and energy severance taxes to the Colorado LEAP program and Energy Outreach Colorado for additional energy assistance funding in 2006. An additional $7 million will go toward energy assistance in each of the next three years.

On the horizon is a proposal in the City of Denver’s newly-negotiated franchise agreement with Xcel Energy to generate about $2 million a year for energy assistance. The agreement will be voted on in August by Denver citizens and extend for up to 20 years. If passed by voters, it would eliminate a slight exemption from the current franchise fee on Xcel Energy bills with the resulting funds going to energy assistance. It also would require a $100,000 annual contribution from Xcel Energy to the City for energy assistance and energy improvements.

It’s progress, and it’s encouraging. And there’s more work to be done.

Xcel Energy recently filed a rate case with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to increase electric rates. Energy Outreach Colorado is concerned about the impact on income-limited residents and will be actively participating in the case.

We are also participating in a pilot program with The Denver Foundation, the Daniels Fund, the Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation, the Xcel Energy Foundation and Mile High United Way to fund energy efficiency upgrades for non-profit organizations that own shelters and other clinical facilities that provide services to special needs clients.

As always, thank you for contributing funding to support these endeavors. You are making such a positive difference for Colorado’s most vulnerable residents.


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
Shelly Wallace, Director of Long-term Energy Solutions

To learn more visit us online at www.EnergyOutreach.org or call 303-825-8750.


ASSISTANCE HELPS DENVER WOMAN THROUGH HEALTH CRISIS
When Connie Mullins caught a cold last spring, she didn’t know it would change her life.
At the time, the 54-year-old Denverite was enjoying her routine, staying busy with work, friends and family. She shared her two-bedroom home with her dogs, Angie and Louie, whom she rescued from the streets.

But her cough and fever progressed to the point where she could not get out of bed. After two trips to an urgent care facility, where she was prescribed expensive antibiotics, and another visit to an emergency room, she found herself hospitalized with a collapsed lung and pneumonia. Her doctor reviewed her x-rays and CAT-scan, then regretfully informed her she had lung cancer.

“I was so surprised,” she said. “I had thought, ‘Oh, this will never happen to me.’ But everything changed. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t do anything. The worry was constant.”
Fortunately, her golf ball-sized tumor responded to aggressive chemotherapy and twice-a-day radiation treatments. But she was without any income for six months as her medical bills mounted, so she applied for energy assistance from the Colorado LEAP Program as well as food stamps and social security benefits.

“This whole experience has been a real lesson in receiving and being dependent,” she said. “I’ve learned from my own experience and from talking to others that it takes about a year after chemotherapy and radiation to get your energy back.”

Today, Connie is tumor-free and working on reclaiming her life. When she is able, she’d like to find work in something more meaningful – possibly involving animal rescue.
“Someone told me that everyone who goes through this has to remake themselves because you’re never going to be the same,” she said. “That was a very profound moment for me.”


EOC RECEIVES TOP CHARITY RATING
Energy Outreach Colorado recently received Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for the fifth consecutive year based on sound fiscal management.

Charity Navigator is an independent evaluator that helps donors analyze America’s largest charities by providing in-depth, objective ratings and analysis of their financial health. Charity Navigator awarded Energy Outreach Colorado four out of a possible four stars.

Just 12 percent of the organizations rated by Charity Navigator have received at least two consecutive 4-star evaluations. “This ‘exceptional’ rating from Charity Navigator differentiates Energy Outreach Colorado from its peers and proves that it’s worthy of the public’s trust,” indicated Charity Navigator in a prepared statement.

For further information, please go to www.EnergyOutreach.org and click on the Charity Navigator logo to review our 4-star rating.


COLORADO LAUNCHING NEW ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, which was signed into law in May 2005, will take effect this September when energy companies operating in Colorado launch new efforts to raise funds for energy assistance.

The six investor-owned utilities in the state – Xcel Energy, Atmos Energy, Aquila, Kinder Morgan, Eastern Colorado Utilities and Colorado Natural Gas – will offer their customers the opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to Energy Outreach Colorado by simply checking a box on their monthly energy bill. Atmos Energy and Aquila already have implemented the program in all of the states they serve, benefiting thousands of families each year.

The other utilities operating in the state, including more than 50 municipally-owned energy providers and rural electric associations, will sponsor other new programs to raise funds for energy assistance to their customers.

The goal of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program is to raise about $1 million in additional funding each year for energy assistance through these voluntary programs.

Please look for an opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to Energy Outreach Colorado on your monthly utility bill. A complete listing of programs for all utilities will be available in September on our website,
www.EnergyOutreach.org.


EOC FUNDS ENERGY-EFFICIENT MOUNTAIN HOUSING
A grant from Energy Outreach Colorado is improving the energy efficiency of affordable homes built in Colorado’s high-end mountain communities.

Through its Energy Solutions program, EOC contributed $33,000 to the Community Office of Resource Efficiency in Aspen (CORE) to improve the energy efficiency of existing and future homes for working families and seniors. Part of the grant funded energy efficiency upgrades for six existing homes. Upgrades included ENERGY STAR® appliances, high efficiency heating systems and improved insulation.

The remainder of the funding went to developing blueprints for energy efficient housing at high altitude, making them available to other builders and measuring their success at making the homes’ energy bills more affordable. The plans were used to build nine of the 49 new homes at Blue Creek Ranch in Carbondale, Colo., just 27 miles from Aspen.

“The building industry spends just two percent of its resources to research and develop new technologies to improve its product,” said Gary Goodson, associate director for Aspen CORE. “If energy costs continue to climb and we don’t invest in making homes more energy efficient, many residents up here will be forced from their homes because they won’t be able to afford to operate them.”

CORE worked with an architect, construction firms and Department of Energy Building America consultants to develop the energy efficient housing plans. They address the energy needs of residents living at high altitude, where cold temperatures drop to extreme levels and heating systems run on high for more than half the year. The blueprints include high efficiency heating systems, high performance windows, ample insulation and technology to take advantage of the abundant solar energy available in the mountains.

“The goal of our Energy Solutions program is to promote energy efficiency and help residents better afford their energy bills so they won’t have to rely on energy assistance,” said Skip Arnold, executive director at Energy Outreach Colorado. “These energy efficient housing blueprints potentially can help thousands of families better afford the energy they need to stay warm at home.”

The CORE blueprints are available to other builders through Energy Outreach Colorado’s website, www.EnergyOutreach.org, which links to the architect’s website or contact information. Energy Outreach also is funding the development of energy efficient affordable housing blueprints targeted for homes in southern Colorado, which are at lower altitude and have cooling needs. These plans are expected to be available by this fall.


GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT EOC
Please mark your calendars for the second annual National Gas Industry Golf Tournament presented by National Fuel Marketing Company to benefit Energy Outreach Colorado. This not-to-be-missed event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006, at The Homestead at Fox Hollow in Lakewood.

Registration is $150 per player or $600 per team and includes lunch, golf and an awards reception. Last year’s event raised nearly $20,000 to help seniors, individuals with special needs and income-limited families in Colorado pay a portion of their energy bills.
This year’s organizers hope to raise as much as $50,000 for energy assistance and encourage your participation. Enserco Energy Company is supporting the event as the gold sponsor.

To register, please go to www.EnergyOutreach.org or call Bethany Therrien at 303-825-8750 ext. 231.


EOC PROGRAM VISITS 54 SCHOOLS
Nearly 9,000 elementary school students in 54 Colorado schools enjoyed learning about energy management and conservation this past year through Energy Outreach Colorado’s Energy Hog Traveling Road Show.

The free elementary school program is offered to students in grades three through six in income-qualifying schools throughout Colorado. The program is funded through a $25,000 grant from the Alliance to Save Energy.

In partnership with the Colorado Energy Science Center, Energy Outreach delivers an entertaining school assembly program. Through an interactive game-show format featuring a life-sized Energy Hog character, students learn about where energy comes from, how energy is used, how it is wasted and how to save energy. Classroom materials that comply with Colorado Model Content Standards are provided to teachers to further explore the topic and reinforce key concepts.

The Energy Hog Traveling Road Show also is available for events and after-school programs. Last spring, the Energy Hog paid a visit to the Thornton Library.

“Programs that offer information to help our visitors control money in their homes are really valuable,” said Sandra Elliott, Children’s Librarian. “I’ve heard from several of the kids who were here for the presentation, and they were eager to tell me all about it.”

Since the Energy Hog Traveling Road Show was created in 2003, it has visited 146 schools and reached nearly 20,000 students and families. For more information about this program, contact Shelly Wallace at 303-825-8750 ext. 230.


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

• The State of Colorado distributed $3 million to EOC after the Colorado General Assembly passed legislation in February to allocate funds for energy assistance from mineral and energy severance taxes paid to the state. Another $17 million was provided to the Colorado LEAP program and $4 million went to the Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation.
• Each year, energy companies operating in Colorado contribute significantly by matching their customers’ and employees’ donations. Companies that participated in the 2005-06 season are: Xcel Energy, Atmos Energy, Aquila, Kinder Morgan, United Power, Empire Electric Association and Intermountain Rural Electric Association.
• In addition, these oil and gas companies matched their employees’ contributions: EnCana, St. Mary Land & Energy Co., Western Gas Resources, Cimarex Energy Co., Duncan Oil, EOG Resources, National Fuel Marketing Co., Newmont Mining Co., and Whiting Petroleum Corp.
• Foundations that recently awarded grants to Energy Outreach Colorado for energy assistance are: The Daniels Fund – $25,000; The Denver Foundation – $15,000; and WB2 Gives, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation – $10,000.
• The Colorado Propane Gas Association made a first-time donation of $20,000 to provide energy assistance to propane customers in Colorado.
• Colorado Springs Utilities provided $8,000 to sponsor an Energy Outreach Colorado newsletter.
• Caliche High School in Iliff, Colorado, donated $1,500 through the El Pomar Youth in Community Program. This program works directly with high school students to introduce them to the importance of leadership, service, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sectors. Students conduct a fundraising activity and matching funds are provided by El Pomar. The program currently operates in 136 high schools in 48 counties throughout Colorado. Other schools that have contributed to Energy Outreach through the program include Cripple Creek High School and Fairview High School.
   

EOC FUNDING RECOGNIZED
Pictured at far right, Jennifer Gremmert, deputy director of Energy Outreach Colorado, accepts a plaque presented by Colorado Springs Utilities in recognition of the $63,000 in energy assistance funding that EOC contributed to CSU customers in 2005.


NEW PROGRAM TO HELP NON-PROFIT AGENCIES SAVE ENERGY
Non-profit organizations serving income-limited families – which typically operate on shoe-string budgets – can get help reducing energy costs for their facilities under a new program which Energy Outreach Colorado is coordinating.

Qualifying non-profit facilities will receive energy audits and efficiency improvements to help offset increasing energy bills so that more of their operating budgets can go toward helping clients – many of whom also receive assistance from Energy Outreach Colorado.
The program, which is being piloted in the Denver Metro area this year, is being offered through a partnership with the Denver Foundation, Xcel Energy Foundation, the Daniels Fund, Mile High United Way and the Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation.

A workshop hosted in March by the Daniels Fund and supported by Xcel Energy Foundation provided information for non-profits about how to read energy bills, conserve energy, evaluate long-term energy investments and qualify for energy conservation rebates. Participants were then surveyed and screened for the program.

Those selected for the program to date are: Boulder County Aids Project, Gateway Battered Women’s Shelter, Safehouse Denver, Urban Peak, Volunteers of America and Family Tree. These organizations typically serve men, women and children on the brink of homelessness, individuals who are coming out of domestic violence situations and individuals with mental illness. Some have multiple facilities that will benefit from energy audits and efficiency improvements.


EOC RECOGNIZES LONG-STANDING SERVICE OF OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER
Kent Benham, left, of Glenwood Springs, receives a recognition plaque from EOC Executive Director Skip Arnold. Benham, general manager of Holy Cross Electric Association and an outgoing member of Energy Outreach Colorado’s board of directors, recently was honored for his 12 years of service with the board.
 

ENERGY OUTREACH ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS
In preparation for the 2006-07 grant year, Energy Outreach Colorado is now accepting applications for grants for our two programs: Energy Assistance and Energy Solutions.

Our Energy Assistance Program provides grants to qualifying emergency assistance agencies across Colorado. These non-profit agencies work with clients who are seeking help paying a portion of their energy bill to avoid having their service cut off. Payments are made directly to utility companies. For the 2005-06 season, EOC contributed $7.65 million in grants to 81 agencies, including $2.15 million to the Colorado LEAP program. More than 114,000 households received assistance. For more information contact Jennie Miller at 303-825-8750 ext. 222.

To help counteract rising energy prices and consumption, our Energy Solutions Program provides grants to organizations across the state for energy efficiency improvements in single- and multi-unit housing for income-limited families, the elderly and people with special needs. In 2005-06, EOC contributed $500,000 in grants to 12 organizations, including Habitat for Humanity of Colorado, The Uptown Partnership and the South Central Council of Governments. For more information contact Shelly Wallace at 303-825-8750 ext. 230.


CHARITABLE ENERGY NETWORK
Thanks to your generous donations, Energy Outreach Colorado is providing $7.65 million in 2005-06 energy assistance funding to the following agencies:
ACS - LIFT
Adams County Housing Authority
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
City of Fountain
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
Pikes Peak Community Action Agency
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
Tri-Lakes Cares
United Methodist Church, Dove Creek
WARM
Western Colorado AIDS Project


CITY OF FOUNTAIN’S “LIGHTEN THE LOAD”
The City of Fountain and Pikes Peak Community Action Agency are partnering to offer a “Lighten the Load” program to provide energy assistance to customers of the city-owned electric utility.

Energy Outreach Colorado provided a grant to the program for the 2005-06 season. Fountain is located south of Colorado Springs in El Paso County and is home to many military families.

“Lighten the Load” is administered by the Fountain Utilities Department, which solicits and manages contributions to the program. The Pikes Peak Community Action Agency reviews applications for assistance and those eligible receive a credit on their utility account with the city. The agency also provides clients assistance with budgeting and other needs such as food, clothing and counseling.

“We’re delighted to partner with Pikes Peak Community Action Agency on this program,” said Pat Miles, customer service manager for the Fountain Utilities Department. “Lighten the Load is meant to be a short-term fix and this proactive approach helps folks to find a long-term solution to their overall budgeting problems.”

For more information about the program, call 970-322-2010.


BEAT THE HEAT CHALLENGE!
Looking for a fun idea to keep your family cool and save some money this summer? Take our BEAT THE HEAT CHALLENGE!

Our check list suggests simple measures that can help save energy and increase the comfort in your home. Get the kids together, give them some paper and a pencil, and go to it! Once you’ve inspected your home and completed your to-do list, celebrate with popsicles all around!

Submit your entry for a BEAT THE HEAT BONUS! Ten lucky winners will receive an energy saving kit including a 4-pack of compact fluorescent light bulbs, a shower timer and a Saving Energy In Colorado guide.

Go to www.EnergyOutreach.org and complete your entry by noon on Aug. 31, 2006. Your privacy is important to us. Your information will be used for EOC purposes only and will not be shared or sold.

BEAT THE HEAT CHALLENGE CHECKLIST:

• Search your home for lights that are left on when not needed. List which lights have incandescent light bulbs that you can exchange for high efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). About 90% of the energy used by incandescent bulbs is released in the form of heat, so replacing them with CFLs will generate less heat.
• Running the dishwasher and dryer also generates heat. Make a note to run these only at night and only when there’s a full load. Turn off the heated drying option on your dishwasher to save energy and keep your kitchen cooler.
• For meal times, cut down on the use of your hot oven. Get creative and try out some new recipes! Cooking, lighting and using other appliances account for about 30% of your home’s energy bill, so using them less saves you money.
• Another heat generator is your refrigerator. Move it out from the wall and vacuum the condenser coils each year. If you’re using more than one refrigerator or freezer in your home, remember that they consume a lot of energy. Consolidate if you can and unplug any unnecessary appliances!
• Check your home thermostat. If you have an air conditioner, set the temperature at no cooler than 78 degrees F. Better yet, install a programmable thermostat to do the work for you! And be sure to inspect filters on your furnace and air conditioner. Change them every three months.
• Windows can be the largest source of heat gain in your home. During the day, close windows and window coverings to keep out the heat. Open windows and window coverings in the evening to let in cooling breezes.
• Summer heat also enters your house through leaks around your walls, windows and doors. Fix any damaged or loose caulking and weather stripping. Pay special attention to plumbing outlets, vents and recessed light fixtures.
• If one of your home appliances needs to be replaced, buy the most efficient unit available. Make sure it has the Energy Star® label, which means it uses at least 10% less energy than required by current federal standards.