New utility assistance program launched for West Virginians in need
Six West Virginia utilities unite with businesses and non-profits to provide a 'hand-up'
POSTED: August 19, 2008
CHARLESTON — Gov. Joe Manchin recently joined representatives from Dollar Energy Fund, Inc., West Virginia’s six major utility companies and other business and community leaders, to announce the launch of a new non-profit utility assistance program.
“We are aware of the challenges that some of our families across the state are facing due to rising energy costs. The West Virginia Utility Assistance Program will help many families lift a burden as the winter season approaches,” stated Gov. Manchin in a press release.
“I commend Dollar Energy Fund, our utility companies, businesses and other community organizations for stepping up and joining an effort that will certainly help our citizens have a quality of life that they deserve.”
Cindy Datig, chief executive officer of Dollar Energy Fund, also commented, “We are pleased to expand our services and offer utility assistance to the hard working people of West Virginia. This program provides a hand-up, not a hand-out, to low-income individuals, senior citizens and families struggling to afford adequate natural gas, electric and water services.”
The West Virginia Utility Assistance Program was made possible through the assistance and encouragement of Governor Manchin, the utility industry, the Public Service Commission and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
“Individual donations are critical to leveraging all potential funding,” said Danielle Snidow, director of the West Virginia Utility Assistance Program. “I challenge all members of your community, individuals and corporations, to help your neighbors in need stay warm, keep the lights on and keep the water running.”
According to the press release, the program is funded through a start-up grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, utility company contributions, voluntary customer donations and corporate and foundation contributions.
“Thanks to the generosity of our utility partners, donations from corporations, foundations and customers, intended for utility assistance grants, are matched dollar-for-dollar,” Snidow said. “Our mission is to help participants take the steps necessary to return to a path of self-sufficiency.”
In addition to utility partners, Dollar Energy Fund is working with The Salvation Army, which will provide a statewide network of assistance agencies to help accept and process applications for the first-of-its-kind program.
The West Virginia Utility Assistance Program uses traditional and Web-based technologies to file and process applications and connect applicants with other agencies that may offer additional assistance programs.
