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Cold Thanksgiving Bringing Energy Bill Hardships for Some |
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November 20,
2007 |
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DENVER – Thanksgiving is bringing cozy family gatherings and cold-weather fun for many Coloradans. But for those less-fortunate, this week’s projected wintry weather begins a season of worry about how to keep up with high energy bills and stay warm and safe. Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), a non-profit organization that raises money for energy assistance, is already fielding calls from agencies that provide emergency assistance and individuals seeking help paying energy bills they can’t afford. As of November 18, about $400,000 in EOC funding had already helped more than 1,200 households pay a portion of their heating bill. “This is the time of year when limited income households start feeling the pain of having to worry about whether they can afford to heat their home for the winter,” said Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado. “We urge anyone in this situation to seek help by calling our toll-free help line at 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).” This year, EOC is distributing $9.375 million in funding across the state. Of that, $5.4 million is being distributed for energy assistance through a network of 100 assistance agencies, $2.15 million is supplementing the state’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), and $1.825 million is funding energy efficiency measures for affordable housing programs, non-profit shelters and residential facilities, and as education and outreach programs. One recent recipient had difficulty paying her energy bill after being hospitalized and placed on medical leave due to health problems that kept her out of work for several weeks. The energy assistance she received helped her avoid having her electricity shut off until she could get caught up, and allowed her to continue to provide a safe home for her two children.
For a copy of Energy
Outreach Colorado’s recently released report about energy affordability
in Colorado, please go to
www.EnergyOutreach.org/community.asp. To make a tax-deductible
donation to Energy Outreach Colorado, go to
www.EnergyOutreach.org or
call toll-free at 1-866-HEAT-HELP. |
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