Union Gas announced April 8 that it will top up its original donation to the 2009 winter warmth program – almost doubling the total contribution made last December – in order to help families in the Guelph area during challenging economic times.
The company also announced it will extend the program by one month, to June 30, to provide families in need with additional time to access the program.
The winter warmth program offers emergency relief to low-income families who are facing financial difficulties paying their natural gas bills.
"We are responding to the needs of the community with more people seeking assistance this year," said Murray Costello, District Manager of Union Gas. "The new funding will really make a difference for low-income families who may have faced difficulties paying their heating bills this winter.”
Through the program, delivered by local United Way agencies, customers can receive one-time financial assistance of up to $450 per household.
In addition to participating in the program, Union Gas also promotes conservation as one of the most powerful, long-term solutions to permanently lower gas bills. It provides a range of tools and education to give consumers the power to take control and manage their energy use. For more information, visit uniongas.com/energyefficiency.
Eligibility
Eligible participants include customers from low-income households who, due to reduced income or personal difficulties, are in arrears or at risk of going into arrears on their gas bill and have exhausted all other sources of financial support.
Union Gas partners with United Way agencies across its service territory to deliver the winter warmth program.
Its customers in the Guelph area needing financial assistance to pay their gas bills can get information about the program by contacting the Welcome in Drop in Centre.