NEWS RELEASE
December 1, 2010
UNION GAS TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY HEATING RELIEF FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
Extends program year-round and increases maximum amount of assistance
Chatham, ON – Union Gas is launching its annual Winter Warmth program, which offers emergency relief to low-income families who face financial difficulties paying their natural gas bills.
Through the Winter Warmth program, which operates in partnership with United Way agencies across the province, customers can receive one-time financial assistance of up to $500 per household -- a $50 increase over last year. This year, for the first time, the winter warmth program will be available to provide assistance year-round.
Last year Union Gas provided more than $645,000 in emergency relief grants to low-income customers across the province.
"Providing assistance to low-income households who are facing difficulties paying their natural gas bills is one of the ways we deliver on our commitment to be the partner of choice in the communities we serve," said Lindsay Boyd, District Manager of Union Gas. "Through the Winter Warmth program and by focusing on energy conservation, we can really make a difference for families in need."
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 heating bills. Union Gas 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 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 the United Way agency in their area. For a
complete list of participating agencies visit uniongas.com/community.
About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution
company based in Ontario with nearly 100 years of experience and service
to customers. The distribution business serves 1.3 million residential,
commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across
northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. Union Gas's growing storage
and transmission business offers premium storage and transportation
services to customers at the Dawn Hub, the largest underground storage
facility in Canada and one of the largest in North America. It offers
customers an important link in the movement of natural gas from Western
Canadian and U.S. supply basins to markets in central Canada and the
northeast U.S. Union Gas, one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2011, is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of
$5 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information,
visit uniongas.com.
