November 15 -- Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) is awarding grants totaling more than $13.5 million to nearly 150 Colorado organizations to increase energy affordability for limited income families and seniors.
The 2010-11 grants are going to emergency assistance organizations such as Salvation Army and Seniors, Inc. for low-income energy assistance payments; to affordable housing organizations to weatherize multi-family housing; and to non-profits to lower facility energy costs. In many locations, EOC is collaborating with partner organizations including the Colorado Governor's Energy Office, Xcel Energy, Atmos Energy, SourceGas, and the City of Denver's Office of Strategic Partnerships.
"More than one in five Coloradans is considered low-income and at risk of having their energy disconnected, which can lead down that slippery slope to homelessness," said Skip Arnold, EOC executive director. "Our funding is divided between energy assistance to provide help in emergency situations, and energy efficiency to help households reduce and better manage their energy usage for the long term."
EOC is an independent, non-profit organization that raises funds through foundation, corporate, government and individual donations. It partners with more than 100 emergency assistance agencies across the state to provide low-income families with year-round assistance paying their energy bills. EOC also provides additional funding for Colorado's LIHEAP.
More information is available at www.energyoutreach.org.
SOURCE: Energy Outreach Colorado
