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DENVER – Energy Outreach Colorado is providing $741,809 to
emergency assistance agencies across the state this month to help
limited income seniors, families and individuals with special needs
catch up on their energy bills before the next heating season rolls
around.
Combined with three prior distributions this fiscal year, Energy
Outreach Colorado will have contributed a total of $6.15 million in
energy assistance to about 100 organizations when its 2006-07 fiscal
year ends on September 30.
“These funds are particularly important to help low-income families and
seniors get their accounts paid up because natural gas costs are
expected to increase significantly this coming winter,” said Skip
Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado. “We thank our
many individual, corporate and energy industry donors who have
contributed these funds so that needy Coloradans can remain safe and
healthy in their homes.”
Energy Outreach Colorado was established as a non-profit in 1989. It is
the only statewide organization that raises money and distributes funds
year-round for energy assistance through a network of 100 emergency
assistance sites across the state, including Salvation Army, Catholic
Charities and Seniors, Inc.
In addition, EOC is funding energy efficiency measures for affordable
housing projects across the state by providing $600,000 in grants to
organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together.
One simple way donors can contribute to Energy Outreach Colorado is
through their utility bills. Xcel Energy, Atmos Energy, Aquila,
SourceGas, Eastern Colorado Utilities and Colorado Natural Gas provide a
simple way for their customers to add an amount to their monthly utility
bills that goes directly to Energy Outreach Colorado. Many of these
utilities match these donations.
More information about how to receive help or donate to energy
assistance is available through
www.EnergyOutreach.org or by calling toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP
(1-866-432-8435). |
