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NorthWestern Energy Donates $500K to Help Low Income Customers in Montana
NorthWestern Energy has donated a half-million dollars to help low income customers in Montana pinched by rising energy costs. The company is donating $200,000 towards home weatherization for low-income residents through Governor Brian Schweitzer’s Warm Homes - Warm Hearts program; $200,000 to Energy Share of Montana; and $100,000 to the Montana Food Bank Network.
“We understand that rising energy prices are pinching Montanans and those with the lowest incomes are amongst the hardest hit because they typically live in homes that are the least energy efficient,” said Bob Rowe, NorthWestern Energy’s President and CEO. “We’re pleased to join with the Governor in helping to reduce the energy use for these residents for years to come while providing much needed funds for emergency relief services.”
“Montanans have a can do spirit in time of need and I appreciate this donation from NorthWestern Energy,” said Governor Schweitzer. “The upcoming winter season, with the significant increase in the cost of energy, is rapidly approaching a crisis for many of our less fortunate neighbors. By making Montanans’ homes more energy efficient, there will be a lasting impact on these families and bring them hope that they will be warm during the cold.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to have additional resources to help NorthWestern Energy customers,” said Gregg Groepper, Executive Director of Energy Share of Montana. “Demand for our services was up 25 percent last year and for the first time ever we spent all that we had budgeted so the support couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Groepper added that Energy Share’s Executive Board has agreed to chip in another $50,000 from its reserves to match NorthWestern Energy’s donation.
“Rising fuel costs have made it increasingly difficult for the Montana Food Bank Network to acquire and transport food to the 189 emergency food programs we serve throughout Montana,” said Peggy Grimes, the Network’s Executive Director. “This donation comes at a crucial time because although we budgeted for higher fuel costs, we exceeded that budget half way through the year. We are so thankful for the foresight shown by Northwestern Energy in making these funds available. With demand increasing at local food pantries and soup kitchens as the weather gets colder, the funds will go a long way toward relieving the stress on households within Northwestern Energy’s service area and throughout Montana.”
Weatherization is a term used for home improvements that contribute to enhanced energy efficiency and comfort through better retention of heat in the winter months and cool in the summer months.
In addition to the donation, NorthWestern Energy is encouraging all Montanans-- regardless of income--to take steps now to make their homes more energy efficient before winter sets in. NorthWestern offers a variety of rebate programs for energy efficiency projects and is planning a series of Home Energy events later this fall, which will include free weatherization kits for those customers who haven’t previously received a kit.
NorthWestern offers an online service called “Calc-U-Pal” that helps residential customers determine cost-effective energy efficiency measures. The calculator and information on NorthWestern rebate and incentive programs can be found at www.northwesternenergy.com .
August 18, 2008
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