Energy Share helps needy Montanans pay power bills

Energy Share of Montana has helped nearly 2,000 Montana families in crisis pay their energy bills since Oct. 1, 2002, providing $532,000 in assistance.

Energy Share is a private, non-profit corporation that exists primarily to help Montana’s less-fortunate citizens cope with energy emergencies. Funds for the program come from individual and corporate donations. Since it was established in 1982, Energy Share has helped more than 18,000 Montana families and distributed more than $6 million in assistance.

Applicants for assistance must be facing an unavoidable emergency and must have exhausted all other resources before turning to Energy Share. Most people receive help only once in a lifetime.

Energy Share’s policy requires that private donations remain in the same region. A local volunteer committee considers applications for assistance and distributes the funds, with no deductions for the cost of administration.

Co-op members can donate to the program when paying their electric bill without writing a second check. Donations can also be made over a period of months.

As the heating season approaches, please consider making a donation to help some of your less-fortunate neighbors stay warm this winter. For your convenience, donation envelopes will be included with November bills.

Low-income programs for the 2003-2004 heating season become available beginning Oct. 1 through the state of Montana.

Several programs are available to help low-income members who have difficulty paying their heating bills.

• The Low-Income Energy Assistance program (LIEAP), administered by Northwest Montana Human resources, pays a portion of home heating costs and some emergency needs for qualified applicants. For information, call 758-5433 or 1-800-344-5979.

• Energy Share of Montana is another resource for people in need. Energy Share assistance can be applied for only after LIEAP funds have been used up or the applicant has been denied.

• Flathead Electric offers a 50 percent Basic Charge waiver to members who meet LIEAP income guidelines. Members must re-apply for the waiver each year. Members who qualify for LIEAP funds automatically will be eligible for the waiver program. Applications are available at Co-op offices in Kalispell and Libby.

• Flathead Electric’s Keep the Lights On program is available in emergencies for low-income members who are in disconnect status. Up to $200 can be applied to the past-due account once a year.

If you’re a low-income Co-op member, one of these programs may help you. Call Northwest Montana Human Resources or Flathead Electric for more information.