Energy Outreach Celebrating 20 Years Providing Assistance

DENVER--(Business Wire)--
As Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) celebrates its 20th year helping maintain
affordable home energy in the state, the nonprofit organization is already
working to secure additional energy assistance funds for the coming winter.

EOC, which was founded in June 1989, anticipates higher energy costs and lower
federal and state assistance funding for 2009-10, putting at greater risk the
lower-income seniors, low-wage earners and people with special needs that may
not be able to afford to heat their homes this winter.

"Our energy assistance funding through Colorado severance taxes was drastically
cut in the last legislative session, and the current federal budget being
considered for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is about 37
percent lower than this past winter," said Skip Arnold, EOC executive director.

EOC also raises funds through individual, corporate and foundation
contributions, which it then distributes through emergency assistance
organizations across the state. A portion of EOC funds also goes to support
energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and non-profit facilities that
typically serve the low-income population.

"Even now in June, when home energy bills typically are at their lowest, our
partner agencies are struggling to help households with hundreds to thousands of
dollars in past-due utility bills," Arnold added. "We`re fortunate the Colorado
utility companies work with us to provide support and assistance, but many
families still can`t keep up with their bills."

Inter-Church ARMS in Arvada, like most agencies in EOC`s network, has struggled
to keep up with the overwhelming demand for services this year.

"In all my years in this job, I`ve never seen clients as anxious as they are
these days," said Ivy Malden, executive director. "So many of our program
clients tell us they feel they are sinking and sinking fast. Hopefully, things
will turn around in the months to come. In the meantime, the EOC gift will be
more important than ever before."

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 distributed more than $100 million to fund energy bill
payment assistance, energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and
nonprofit facilities, and energy education. Energy Outreach Colorado relies on
private donations, corporate contributions and foundation grants. It has
received top ratings from Charity Navigator for seven 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.

Energy Outreach Colorado
Peggy Hofstra, 303-226-5053
PHofstra@EnergyOutreach.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009