DOVER, DE – In concert with the dramatic increases in the funding level for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Chesapeake Utilities is pleased to announce that the grant levels of the Sharing Fund have also increased for the third consecutive year for those who qualify for assistance. Together, these important resources will help struggling families across the Delmarva Peninsula pay their heating bills this winter.
Chesapeake Utilities created the Sharing Fund with donations provided by customers, employees, the community and Chesapeake Utilities Corporation to ensure that the elderly, ill and those facing financial hardship are not forgotten during the cold winter months when energy bills are at their peak.
“In light of the economic crisis our country is now facing, it’s never been more important to let people on the Delmarva know that help is available to them,” stated Shane Breakie, President of the Chesapeake Emergency Energy Recipient Program (CHEERP) which manages the Sharing Fund. “Chesapeake Utilities is proud to be able to increase our efforts to help customers for the third consecutive year.” For 2009, Chesapeake Utilities will commit over $45,000 in support of the Sharing fund.
Grants of up to $600 are now available to approved customers over the age of 60, who are living on a fixed income and need assistance. In addition to increasing the grant levels, additional Sharing Fund grants of up to $1,000 are being offered to those who are recently unemployed or struggling with mortgage-related issues or need assistance with the repair or replacement of their heating equipment or water heaters.
Sharing grants are available for all eligible customers of Chesapeake Utilities living on Delmarva. Applications for the grants are available through Catholic Charities in Delaware (302.674.1782) and Shore-Up in Maryland (410.749.1142).
The Sharing fund, also known as CHEERP was incorporated in 1983. In 2008 alone, over 260 grants totaling more than $60,000 were provided to those in need on Delmarva.
LIHEAP is a block grant program which assists low-income households – both homeowners and renters – with their energy bills. The application period is through March 31, 2009.
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified utility company engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission and marketing of environmentally friendly natural gas in Delaware, Maryland and Florida; distribution and wholesale marketing of propane in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Florida; advanced information services and other related businesses. Chesapeake is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CPK. Information about Chesapeake’s businesses is available at www.chpk.com.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Company Contact: Shane Breakie, President
Chesapeake Emergency Energy Recipient Program (CHEERP)
Chesapeake Utilities
350 South Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
Ph: 302.734. 6797, ext. 6017
[email protected]
Media Contact: Sydney Davis, Communications Manager
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
909 Silver Lake Boulevard
Dover, DE 19930
Ph: 302.736.7828
[email protected]
