Michigan Households to Receive Support for Emergency Heating From Just Energy

DETROIT, Dec. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Households across Michigan will benefit from continued or extended home heating support due to a $10,000 donation by Just Energy to The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), an independent non-profit agency that provides low-income individuals and families in Michigan with emergency energy assistance.

"For thousands of families, even their own homes are not protection against the harshness of winter," said Ken Hartwick, CEO and President of Just Energy. "We are pleased to do our part to support emergency energy assistance and also to promote awareness about those who go without a basic human need."

According to THAW, Michigan residents in particular are facing the prospect of significantly reduced heating assistance because of funding uncertainty at the federal and state government levels.

"Having heat and lights during a Michigan winter is a need, not a luxury. The generous donation made by Just Energy will help us warm the homes of many struggling Michigan families this winter. Those most vulnerable during the cold conditions are children, seniors and people with serious medical conditions," said Susan Sherer, CEO of THAW.

Monies donated by Just Energy will be used for supplemental or whole utility bill payment for households across Michigan. During the 2010-2011 heating season, THAW distributed energy assistance to 12,000 households.

Individuals and organizations interested in supporting low-income households in need should contact THAW directly by visiting its website at www.thawfund.org. THAW is working to generate greater attention around the plight of households in need and is a member organization of The Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, a group that focuses on low-income home energy issues. Visitors can sign up as supporters of the coalition by visiting: www.coalitiontokeepmichiganwarm.com.

About Just Energy

With a vision to revolutionize how our customers use energy, Just Energy is a leading North American natural gas and electricity retailer, and a market leader in green energy programs and home comfort services. With regional offices across Canada and the U.S., Just Energy serves 1.8 million residential and commercial customers through a wide range of energy programs. The company's simple and effective green energy options provide consumers with greater choice and control to help them reduce the environmental impact of their everyday energy use. Established in 1997, Just Energy is a publicly traded corporation (TSX: JE) and parent to affiliate companies: Amigo Energy, Commerce Energy, Hudson Energy, Hudson Energy Solar, National Home Services, Momentis, Tara Energy and Terra Grain Fuels. Visit www.justenergy.com to learn more.

About THAW

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is an independent non-profit agency dedicated to providing emergency utility assistance. Helping more than 12,000 Michigan households last year, THAW's assistance goes far beyond solving an immediate financial crisis. THAW works with recipients and utilities to help set up sustainable payment plans and make homes more efficient to lower future energy bills. Since 1985, THAW has provided utility assistance to more than 155,000 Michigan residents in need.

SOURCE Just Energy