United Way, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro Launch 2005-2006 Winter Warmth Fund
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Dec. 1, 2005) - United Way, Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) and Toronto Hydro today launched the 2005 - 2006 Winter Warmth Fund to provide financial assistance to low-income families and individuals struggling to pay their heating and hydro bills.
The fund was initially established in Toronto during the winter of 2004, and since that time has expanded to include more communities throughout Ontario. Resources for the annual program are contributed by Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro, and are available to eligible customers of both companies. The program is administered by United Way through its network of community-based agencies (see list below).
"We're actively promoting these funds through our network so we can touch as many households as possible with this vital program," said Frances Lankin, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Greater Toronto. "United Way is proud to partner with Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro in making this initiative possible."
This year, in addition to providing financial aid, the Winter Warmth program has expanded to ensure that eligible households also receive help improving the energy efficiency of their residences. As part of the program for 2005 - 2006, fund recipients who are homeowners will be offered a personal visit from an energy efficiency expert who can outfit them with energy saving tools. These include a free programmable thermostat, low-flow showerheads, pipewrap and aerators for kitchen and bathrooms from Enbridge Gas Distribution, as well as compact fluorescent light bulbs from Toronto Hydro.
According to Ontario Minister of Energy Donna Cansfield, "This is an important program that not only helps those in need, but also equips Ontarians with the tools they need to conserve energy and lower costs."
"This fall and winter rising natural gas prices will stretch home heating budgets, especially for low-income families and individuals," added Jim Schultz, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "Lending a helping hand in the communities we serve is core to our values, and we're proud to continue our support for the Winter Warmth Fund."
Last year the Winter Warmth Fund helped more than 1,000 households in Ontario.
"This is a very important program and, unfortunately, it's needed in our community," said David O'Brien, President and CEO of Toronto Hydro Corporation. "The Winter Warmth Fund is there to help customers in need to get through the cold winter heating months. Toronto Hydro, Enbridge and United Way, working together, will be able to provide relief to low-income families again this winter."
How the Fund Works
Families and individuals needing financial assistance to pay their Enbridge Gas Distribution or Toronto Hydro bills can apply for assistance through their United Way local lead agency for the initiative, where information about the Winter Warmth Fund will be posted. Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro call centres will also advise customers about the fund, where applicable, and direct them to contact the appropriate agency to see if they qualify.
After a successful application process, one-time funding will be credited directly to the applicant's Enbridge Gas Distribution or Toronto Hydro account.
Eligibility
Eligible grant recipients include households living below or near the poverty line who are in arrears or at risk of going into arrears on their Enbridge Gas Distribution natural gas bills or Toronto Hydro electricity bills, and have exhausted all other sources of financial support.
Lisa McCarney-Warus
(416) 495-5662
or
United Way of Greater Toronto
Pearce Bannon
(416) 777-1444, Ext. 386
or
Toronto Hydro
Tanya Bruckmeuller-Wilson
(416) 542-2621
The fund was initially established in Toronto during the winter of 2004, and since that time has expanded to include more communities throughout Ontario. Resources for the annual program are contributed by Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro, and are available to eligible customers of both companies. The program is administered by United Way through its network of community-based agencies (see list below).
"We're actively promoting these funds through our network so we can touch as many households as possible with this vital program," said Frances Lankin, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Greater Toronto. "United Way is proud to partner with Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro in making this initiative possible."
This year, in addition to providing financial aid, the Winter Warmth program has expanded to ensure that eligible households also receive help improving the energy efficiency of their residences. As part of the program for 2005 - 2006, fund recipients who are homeowners will be offered a personal visit from an energy efficiency expert who can outfit them with energy saving tools. These include a free programmable thermostat, low-flow showerheads, pipewrap and aerators for kitchen and bathrooms from Enbridge Gas Distribution, as well as compact fluorescent light bulbs from Toronto Hydro.
According to Ontario Minister of Energy Donna Cansfield, "This is an important program that not only helps those in need, but also equips Ontarians with the tools they need to conserve energy and lower costs."
"This fall and winter rising natural gas prices will stretch home heating budgets, especially for low-income families and individuals," added Jim Schultz, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "Lending a helping hand in the communities we serve is core to our values, and we're proud to continue our support for the Winter Warmth Fund."
Last year the Winter Warmth Fund helped more than 1,000 households in Ontario.
"This is a very important program and, unfortunately, it's needed in our community," said David O'Brien, President and CEO of Toronto Hydro Corporation. "The Winter Warmth Fund is there to help customers in need to get through the cold winter heating months. Toronto Hydro, Enbridge and United Way, working together, will be able to provide relief to low-income families again this winter."
How the Fund Works
Families and individuals needing financial assistance to pay their Enbridge Gas Distribution or Toronto Hydro bills can apply for assistance through their United Way local lead agency for the initiative, where information about the Winter Warmth Fund will be posted. Enbridge Gas Distribution and Toronto Hydro call centres will also advise customers about the fund, where applicable, and direct them to contact the appropriate agency to see if they qualify.
After a successful application process, one-time funding will be credited directly to the applicant's Enbridge Gas Distribution or Toronto Hydro account.
Eligibility
Eligible grant recipients include households living below or near the poverty line who are in arrears or at risk of going into arrears on their Enbridge Gas Distribution natural gas bills or Toronto Hydro electricity bills, and have exhausted all other sources of financial support.
Customers can contact the following agencies to determine eligibility and submit an application for funding. Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge Community Development Council Durham (905) 686-2661 Barrie and Greater Simcoe County Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness/United Way (705) 726-2301 City of Kawartha Lakes A Place Called Home (705) 328-0905 Leeds and Grenville 1000 Islands Credit Counselling (613) 498-2111 Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie Project S.H.A.R.E. (905) 357-5121 Oshawa-Whitby-Clarington Community Development Council Durham (905) 686-2661 Ottawa The Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre (613) 241-1573 Peel Region Caledon Community Services (905) 584-9460 or 1-800-985-2471 (Toll-free) Peterborough & District Community Counselling/Housing Resource Centre (705) 743-9122 Renfrew County Canadian Red Cross (613) 735-1157 St. Catharines & District Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold (905) 685-1349 Toronto Neighbourhood Information Post (416) 924-2543 Welland Community Resource and Action Centre (The Hope Centre) (905) 788-0744 York Region Canadian Mental Health Association - York Region (905) 841-3977 or 1-866-345-0224 (Toll-free)
For more information please contact:
Enbridge Gas DistributionLisa McCarney-Warus
(416) 495-5662
or
United Way of Greater Toronto
Pearce Bannon
(416) 777-1444, Ext. 386
or
Toronto Hydro
Tanya Bruckmeuller-Wilson
(416) 542-2621
