GEORGETOWN, Del. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined with representatives from organizations that help Delawareans pay their home heating bills at First State Community Action Agency. Sen. Carper (left) was joined by Donna Forrest of Catholic Charities, Dave Detrick of Chesapeake Utilities, Bernice Edwards of First State Community Action Agency, Mike Hoy of Delmarva Power and Capt. Tim Sheehan of the Salvation Army.
Senator Carper highlighted the help that is available through the Delaware Energy Assistance Program during especially cold winter months. The Delaware Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program for low-income families that need help in meeting their home energy costs. The Division of State Service Centers administers this program with Catholic Charities, Inc., and Delawareans interested in applying can visit their website here or call:
· Kent County: (302) 674-1782
· New Castle County: (302) 654-9295
· Sussex County: (302) 856-6310
“In times of need, the people of Delaware are always willing to lend a helping hand in their communities – and last week’s bitter cold conditions were no exception,” said Senator Carper. “Thank you to the hardworking men and women from Catholic Charities, Delmarva Power, Chesapeake Utilities, the Salvation Army and First State Community Action Agency for coming together in Georgetown this morning to highlight important energy assistance programs and resources that can assist Delawareans who may need a little extra help with their heating bills during the winter.”
The Salvation Army and Delmarva Power have partnered on the Good Neighbor Energy Fund to help Delawareans who do not qualify for any other emergency heating assistance. For every $3 donated Delmarva Power donates $1, and the funds are held and administered by Salvation Army Delaware. To learn more, Delawareans can go here.
The Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) created Operation Share for Kent and Sussex Counties for residents that need help paying their DEC bills when they are presented with a shut off notice or when they run out of fuel. To learn more, Delawareans can go here.
Chesapeake Utilities’ Sharing program is a nonprofit organization that provides funds to the company’s natural gas and propane customers living on the Delmarva Peninsula. Annual grants are for as much as $1,000. To learn more, customers can go here.
First State Community Action Agency’s emergency services department is able to help those who have past due balances on their utility bill. The organization also offers energy education and the Replace, Repair Heaters and Conserve Energy program
