Firm Gets Energy Upgrade Grant for Apartments

GLENWOOD SPRING, CO - Energy Outreach Colorado, a non-profit organization that helps lower-income households pay energy bills and have access to efficient housing, has received a $50,000 grant from EnCana Oil and Gas Inc. to upgrade the Machebeuf Apartments in Glenwood Springs. EnCana's donation, combined with funding from the StePP Foundation, Xcel Energy and other foundations, will enable Energy Outreach Colorado to install energy efficiency measures in the 62 apartments and offices at the complex. As a result, carbon emissions from fossil fuels consumed for energy production will be reduced by an estimated 17.71 tons annually and residents will collectively save an estimated $14,463 on energy bills yearly.

"We support Energy Outreach Colorado's efforts to help Coloradans living in affordable housing have the opportunity to implement energy-efficient measures in their homes," said Sher Long, community liaison for EnCana. "We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and doing everything we can to help others do the same."

Energy Outreach Colorado has been working for more than 20 years to assist families with their home energy costs. In the past several years, the organization also has developed programs to fund energy efficiency upgrades in affordable housing and provide conservation education to families and in schools.

"With the current economic problems and ongoing high energy costs, it is important for all Colorado homeowners to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes," said Skip Arnold, executive director, Energy Outreach Colorado. "Many residents living in affordable housing don't have the means to make these improvements, and we appreciate EnCana's generous support of the improvements at Machebeuf Apartments."

Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit organization in the state that raises money to help limited income Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed nearly $100 million to fund energy bill payment assistance, energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and energy efficiency education. Energy Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions and foundation grants.