Energy Share of Wyoming kicks off for 2016-17
Funding is available to pay energy bills when all other resources and assistance have been exhausted
by Rocky Mountain Power
December 1, 2016
Raising more than $100,000 and assisting more than 350 families statewide are among goals of Energy Share of Wyoming, which kicks-off its 2016-17 season Thursday, December 1.
Numerous Wyoming businesses, organizations and communities sponsor the program that assists individuals with energy-related emergencies when unusual circumstances create financial needs not met through existing assistance programs. Funding comes from voluntary contributions for the program that runs through spring 2017.
During its 28th season last year, Energy Share raised nearly $64,000 in private and corporate donations to assist 191 households throughout the state. Recipients of funding resided in 13 of Wyoming’s counties, with an average bill being paid of $268.
According to Leslie Blythe, Energy Share past president from Rocky Mountain Power, "We are very fortunate in Wyoming to have so many generous people who want to help their neighbors through the rough times. Over the years, our program has been very successful and been able to assist thousands of families in need."
A nonprofit organization, Energy Share of Wyoming is a partnership of numerous organizations, utilities and businesses. Sponsoring groups include The Salvation Army; Montana-Dakota Utilities; Rocky Mountain Power and Rocky Mountain Power Foundation; Black Hills Energy and Black Hills Corporation Foundation; Townsquare Media Group; City of Gillette; Wyoming Rural Electric Association; Town of Lusk; Dominion-Questar; City of Powell; Powder River Energy Corp.; Kelly Rizley Advertising & PR; and Align.
Energy Share funding is available to pay energy bills when all other resources and assistance have been exhausted. First priority goes to individuals and families at or above 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Special consideration is given to senior citizens and the disabled. Energy Share provides for a one-time expenditure of up to $400 per household, and all applicants must be Wyoming residents.
Funding decisions are made by The Salvation Army, which reviews applications and assesses eligibility based on need, lack of other resources and available Energy Share funds. Individuals interested in applying for funds should contact their local Salvation Army, or call toll-free 1-877-461-5719, to determine your local Salvation Army field representative.
For those wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution, sponsoring utilities include instructions in their fall and winter billing statements. In areas without a sponsoring utility, individuals may send their tax-deductible donations to Energy Share of Wyoming, c/o Align, 1401 Airport Parkway Suite 300, Cheyenne, WY 82001-1543.
|
