Energy Outreach Awarding $1.5 Million for Colorado Energy Assistance

DENVER, Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Energy Outreach Colorado is awarding $1.5 million to assistance organizations across the state this month to provide funds to help limited income families, special needs individuals and seniors pay overdue energy bills and remain safe and warm in their homes this winter.

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The funding is going to 128 emergency assistance organizations such as Salvation Army, Seniors, Inc., and Colorado's Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).  This is the first of four funding distributions throughout the 2011-12 grant year.  Last year, Energy Outreach contributed $7.2 million to help more than 144,000 households with an average payment of around $380.

"About one in five Coloradans is considered low-income and at risk of having their energy disconnected, which can lead to safety and health risks and homelessness," said Skip Arnold, EOC executive director.  "We provide energy assistance to provide help in emergency situations, and energy efficiency grants to help affordable housing communities and nonprofit facilities reduce energy usage and lower costs for the longer term."

Energy Outreach is an independent, non-profit organization established in 1989 that raises funds through foundation, corporate, government and individual donations.  More information is available at www.EnergyOutreach.org.

About Energy Outreach Colorado

Helping all Coloradans afford home energy.

Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit organization in the state raising money to help limited income Coloradans afford home energy.  Since it was established in 1989, EOC has raised more than $151 million to fund energy bill payment assistance, energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and non-profit facilities, and advocacy on behalf of low-income energy consumers.  Energy Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions and foundation grants.  It has received top ratings from Charity Navigator for 10 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.

SOURCE Energy Outreach Colorado