KISSIMMEE, Fla., December 8, 10:00 a.m. – Responding to growing concerns that record-high fuel costs will make it hard for some people to afford to heat their homes this winter, the Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) board of directors on Wednesday approved an expansion of the utility’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides financial assistance to families in crisis who need help paying their electric bill. The fund is maintained through voluntary contributions from customers and employees of KUA, and all donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by the utility.
One hundred percent of money collected through the fund is distributed locally through social service agencies.
Beginning January 1, KUA will double its matching donation to the fund. The two-for-one match will be in effect throughout the heating season until March 31, 2006.
“We know that some of our electricity customers, especially those with limited and fixed incomes, will struggle with higher energy costs this winter,” said Jim Welsh, president and general manager. “We can all do our part by contributing to the fund for those who cannot.”
Since 1991, KUA’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund has provided nearly $500,000 in grants to customers facing financial hardship.
To contribute to the fund, personal checks can be written to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” and mailed to: Kissimmee Utility Authority, P.O. Box 423219, Kissimmee, FL 34742-3219.
Those in need of assistance can call KUA at 407-933-7777 to discuss payment plans or other arrangements.
Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 170,000 residents in five Central Florida counties.
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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-7777 x 1116
cgent@kua.com
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