Energy Outreach Gearing Up for Winter Energy Bill Assistance

DENVER, Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Energy Outreach Colorado is distributing $1.3 million in energy assistance funds to nonprofit organizations across the state this week to help limited-income families, special needs individuals and seniors afford to pay their energy bills and remain warm and safe in their homes this winter.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100608/EOCLOGO)

This distribution is the first of four that Energy Outreach Colorado plans to make throughout next summer, totaling nearly $8 million.  EOC is the only nonprofit in Colorado that raises funds for energy assistance and energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and nonprofits.

The energy assistance funding is going to 124 organizations across the state, including Salvation Army, seniors' organizations, faith-based charities and Colorado's Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). 

In the past year ending Sept. 30, Energy Outreach distributed more than $9 million to help more than 121,000 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 for people in financial emergencies to get back on their feet, and energy efficiency grants to help affordable housing communities and nonprofit facilities reduce energy usage and lower their 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 that raises money to help limited-income Coloradans afford home energy.  Since 1989, EOC has raised more than $172 million to fund energy bill payment assistance and energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and nonprofit facilities.  Energy Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions and foundation grants.  It has received top ratings from Charity Navigator for 11 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. 16^th Ave. Ste. 200, Denver, CO  80203-1612.

SOURCE Energy Outreach Colorado