THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 22, 1996 TAG: 9602220312
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Virginia Power said unusually cold weather and increasing requests for help in paying heating bills have caused a run on its EnergyShare program for assistance for low-income households. It is appealing to its better-heeled customers to ante up more contributions to the program.
The state's largest electric utility said that during January, the Salvation Army in Hampton Roads accepted 572 applications for help and that more than $66,000 had been paid out to people in need. In the same month last year, local Salvation Army offices took 488 applications and assistance payments totaled about $46,000.
As of Feb. 15, only about $31,000 wasleft in the program to help any further applicants this winter in Hampton Roads, Virginia Power said.
The funds are paid for any heating source, from electricity to wood.
The utility contributes $69,000 to local nonprofit agencies to cover the administrative costs of the program, plus another $50,000 in matching funds to help recipients. The remainder of the direct-aid money comes from donors. Virginia Power customers will receive a special envelope in their February/March bills soliciting contributions.
Donations, which are tax-deductible, can be mailed to EnergyShare, P.O. Box 12083, Richmond, VA 23241.
to apply for assistance, call the nearest Salvation Army office: in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, 622-7275; Portsmouth, 393-2519; Suffolk, Franklin and Isle of Wight and Southampton counties, 539-5201. by CNB