LEAP Ending, Energy Outreach Distributing $1.39 Million in Energy Assistance

DENVER, April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Colorado's Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) stops accepting applications April 30 until next November, non-profit Energy Outreach will continue to provide energy assistance to limited income seniors and families year-round through its network of 130 assistance organizations across the state.  

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

To help vulnerable Coloradans catch up on winter heating bills, Energy Outreach is distributing an additional $1.39 million this week in energy assistance funding through partner organizations such as Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Seniors Resource Center.

Each year in Colorado, LEAP administers federal energy assistance funding through the Colorado Department of Human Services from November through April. Energy Outreach, an independent non-profit, raises additional assistance funds through more than 18,000 individual, corporate and foundation donors, and then distributes this funding through its network, including LEAP.

"The governor's office established our organization in 1987 to provide Colorado with a buffer against cuts in federal funding for energy assistance such as we're anticipating in the coming year," said Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado.  "We're fortunate that so many generous Coloradans provide support for struggling seniors and families to remain warm and safe in their homes."

In total, Energy Outreach plans to distribute a record $12 million this year for energy assistance.  EOC also administers a multi-family energy efficiency program for the Governor's Energy Office and partners with organizations such as the Denver Office of Strategic Planning, Xcel Energy, United Power, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Co., EnCana Oil and Gas, Noble Energy and the StePP Foundation for nonprofit facilities.

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).  Coloradans needing energy assistance should also call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP for information about an assistance organization near them.

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 raised about $139 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 nine 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