Coloradans struggling to pay off winter heating bills will get a boost as Energy Outreach Colorado distributes $1.25 million in additional energy assistance funds this week.
Energy Outreach Colorado, the only non-profit in the state that raises funds for energy assistance, contributes funds to 139 emergency assistance sites across the state.
Jeffco Action Center in Lakewood, like most assistance agencies across the state, had run out of energy assistance funds due to the overwhelming need in the community it serves.
“We are grateful and relieved to have the EOC distribution come to us,” said Mag Strittmatter, Jeffco Action Center Executive Director. “We ran out of funding weeks ago and have had to turn away hundreds of people who are desperately in need of the assistance. There are so many people now who are struggling to catch up on utility bills.”
For the 2007-08 heating season, Energy Outreach Colorado’s assistance network has increased the total amount of energy assistance distributed by 30 percent over the previous year to $2.6 million, with the number of bills paid increasing 15 percent to 6,881 and the average payment up 13 percent to $386.
In total, through four quarterly payments, Energy Outreach plans to contribute at least $7.55 million this year for energy assistance. Of that, $5.4 million will go to its assistance network and $2.15 will go to Colorado LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program), which helps an additional 90,000 or more households.
Colorado LEAP, which administers government energy assistance funding, will stop accepting applications on April 30. Its next assistance season begins November 1, 2008. Energy Outreach distributes assistance year-round through its network of emergency assistance sites. EOC also funds grants for energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing in Colorado.
Additional funding is critically needed, and tax-deductible donations can be made to Energy Outreach Colorado by going to www.EnergyOutreach.org or calling toll free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435). Energy Outreach Colorado raises funds through individual, corporate and foundation contributions. Many energy companies operating in the state, including Xcel Energy and Atmos Energy, match their customers’ donations and collect donations through customer bills.
Coloradans in need should call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to obtain a LEAP application or to find an emergency assistance organization near them with energy assistance funds available.
About Energy Outreach Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit organization in the state that raises money to help limited income Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed about $88 million to fund energy bill payment assistance, energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and energy efficiency education. Energy Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions and foundation grants. It was named 2006 Outstanding Foundation by National Philanthropy Day in Colorado, has received top ratings from Charity Navigator for six consecutive years and is an accredited charity member of the Better Business Bureau. Energy Outreach Colorado, www.EnergyOutreach.org, can be reached at 303-825-8750 or at 225 E. 16th Ave. Ste. 200, Denver, CO 80203-1612.
Contacts:
Peggy Hofstra, 303-226-5053
PHofstra@EnergyOutreach.org
