LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With the winter heating season quickly approaching, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company are bolstering financial support for their heating assistance programs.
Specifically, LG&E and KU are increasing the customer match for Winterhelp and WinterCare from 25 cents to $1 — four times the traditional match. The increased match begins Nov. 1 and continues through March 31, 2011.
Community Winterhelp and the WinterCare Energy Assistance Fund are nonprofit programs promoted by LG&E and KU, respectively. Both programs are managed by an independent third party, typically a local community action agency, and the utilities play no role in determining recipient eligibility. Combined since 1983, the programs have raised nearly $7.3 million to help families in need pay their winter heating bills.
"We recognize that given the sluggish economy, those least able to pay their energy bills will need even more assistance this winter heating season," said John P. Malloy, vice president of Energy Delivery — Retail for LG&E and KU.
"The continued support of Winterhelp and WinterCare by individuals and organizations in our region is critical, and with the announcement of our increased match, donations to those assistance programs will go even further to help customers in need."
Residential customers may donate to the programs by making a monthly pledge or a one-time contribution that can be added to their monthly bill. Customers can also donate online at www.lge-ku.com through LG&E and KU's My Account.
For eligibility requirements or additional information about Winterhelp, LG&E customers can call 502-561-6836.
KU customers should contact their local community action agency for eligibility requirements or information regarding WinterCare.
Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve a total of 1.2 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 321,000 natural gas and 397,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 543,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.
