NEWS RELEASE
December 1, 2008
UNION GAS TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY HEATING RELIEF FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
December 1, 2008 - Union Gas today announced the launch of the annual Winter Warmth program, which offers emergency relief to low-income families who are facing financial difficulties paying their natural gas bills this winter.
The Winter Warmth program operates in partnership with United Way agencies across the province and is a joint effort of nine Ontario energy utilities, including Union Gas. This year Winter Warmth will distribute over one million dollars in emergency heating relief to eligible households. Through the program, customers can receive one-time financial assistance of up to $450 per household.
In addition to participating in the Winter Warmth Program, Union Gas also promotes conservation as one of the most powerful, long-term solutions to permanently lower gas bills. Union Gas provides a range of tools and education to give consumers the power to take control and manage their energy use.
"During this time of economic uncertainty, low-income families may face problems with all their household bills from food to transportation," said Pat Phillips, Director Public Affairs and Community Relations, Union Gas. "Through the Winter Warmth program and through conservation measures, we can really make a difference in our community."
Eligibility
Eligible participants include Union Gas 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.
How the Fund Works
Union Gas partners with United Way agencies across its service territory to
deliver the Winter Warmth program. Union Gas customers, needing
financial assistance to pay their gas bills can get information about
Winter Warmth by contacting their local United Way agency. A list of
participating United Way agencies is available at:
www.uniongas.com/community/Winter_Warmth_Agencies.asp.
About
Union Gas
Union
Gas is an integrated natural gas storage, transmission and distribution
company serving about 1.3 million residential, commercial and industrial
customers in more than 400 communities in northern, southwestern and
eastern Ontario. The company also provides storage and transportation
services to other utilities and energy market participants in Ontario,
Quebec and the United States. Union Gas is a Spectra Energy company.
Visit uniongas.com for more information.
CONTACT: Andrea Stass, Manger Media
Relations
Phone: (519) 436-5490