Energy Share helps thousands of Montana families every year
For Rural Montana
Energy Share of Montana is a statewide nonprofit that, simply put, helps Montanans stay warm. With the help of individuals, small businesses, electric cooperatives, other utility companies and large electric users, Energy Share helps keep people safe and warm across the state.
One example of the assistance Energy Share provides is found in the story of “Sherri” and “Dan” (their names have been changed to protect their privacy), a young couple with a small child. This co-op family spent every penny they had getting into their own apartment, but got behind on several bills in the process. Dan works while Sherri, who has some health issues, stays home with their child. Energy Share helped them get caught up on their home energy bill so they could keep their power on.
While many of Energy Share’s program participants have lower incomes, Energy Share’s assistance is situationally-based, meaning it considers applications on a case-by-case basis, regardless of income. For example, if the applicant was working but had major medical expenses that resulted in falling behind, they could still get help from Energy Share if they were about to be without heat or lights. The determining factor as to whether Energy Share can help them is if they are facing a home energy emergency and have no resources with which to keep their heat or lights on. Reasons for needing a little extra help are varied.
Last year, Energy Share helped 3,328 families statewide. Of those, 670 were electric co-op members who received an average of $436 each in Energy Share assistance.
Energy Share was formed as a nonprofit in 1983, when electric cooperatives, investor-owned utility companies and human service organizations recognized there were Montanans “falling through the cracks” of government-funded programs. Many of our neighbors make just enough money to scrape by, so if they have an event in their lives that costs extra money, they can get to where they are unable to keep up with all their bills. Having one’s heat or lights disconnected is often just one step away from homelessness.
Energy Share applications are processed at the 10 Human Resource Development Councils (HRDCs) across the state, each one having its own service area. The county you live in determines which HRDC would take your application. Energy Share payment is made directly to the energy provider. Energy Share is fortunate to be able to work with almost all the major players in Montana’s energy community.
Energy Share also helps with utility deposits. Not only do people find themselves in situations where they need help keeping their heat or lights on, but also getting into housing. In some cases, utility deposits can be a barrier to this. Energy Share has helped with deposits in situations of domestic abuse, homelessness, extended illnesses and many others.
In an effort to help low-income Montanans reduce their energy costs and stay safe, Energy Share has expanded its appliance replacement program. Funds are available to help income-qualified people who have unsafe or inefficient furnaces and other home appliances by repairing or replacing them.
Since 1983, Energy Share has helped 80,346 Montana families stay warm. If you can, please use the envelope included in this edition of Rural Montana to donate to Energy Share. Your individual donation is crucial and very much appreciated!
Likewise, if you or someone you know is in a situation where you need help with your home energy bill, contact Energy Share at 1-888-779-7589, online at www.energysharemt.com, or through your local HRDC. Sometimes it is hard to ask for help, so even going with a neighbor or friend when they apply provides the support they need.
Energy Share exists because of the support we receive across the great state of Montana. It truly is all about neighbors helping neighbors.
Energy Share of Montana Fourth Grade Art Contest
Since 1997, Energy Share has sponsored a fourth-grade art contest across Montana. Through this activity, fourth graders become more aware of the value of community and doing what Montanans always do — help each other during tough times.
November 20 is the deadline for submitting entries this year. This is a great opportunity for fourth graders and their teachers. Energy Share uses the winning drawing on the front of thank-you cards sent to donors statewide, and helps get the winners interviewed by local media.
The prizes for the statewide first-, second- and third-place artists are $75, $50 and $25 respectively. The teachers of the first-, second- and third-place statewide winners receive a gift card of $500, $400 and $300, respectively, for classroom supplies.
The winning drawing also is displayed on a billboard or banner in or near the winner’s community.
To learn more, visit our website at www.energysharemt.com/art-contest. Here you can see this year’s guidelines and past winning drawings. You can also call 1-888-779-7589 ext. 3 for more information. Fourth graders in public schools, private schools and home schools are welcome to participate.