Energy Outreach Colorado Receives National Award.

DENVER -- A new program offered by Energy Outreach Colorado to help non-profit facilities such as homeless shelters reduce energy costs and protect the environment recently received national recognition through the National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN), a Washington, D.C.-based organization comprised of 250 organizations involved with raising and distributing money for energy assistance.

Energy Outreach Colorado accepted the Victorine Q. Adams award for its Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program at the NFFN annual conference held in Nashville, TN, last week. The award, which commemorates the founder of one of the nation's first fuel funds (Baltimore Fuel Fund), recognizes an innovation or new program that has made a positive impact on the low-income community.

The Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP) provides qualifying non-profit facilities in Denver with free energy audits and efficiency upgrades through an innovative collaboration between Energy Outreach Colorado and the City and County of Denver.

"This innovative program is an excellent example of how community organizations such as fuel funds can collaborate to better serve the needs of the low-income population while reducing the impact of energy on the environment," said George Coling, executive director of NFFN.

The concept was first piloted last year with funding from Xcel Energy Foundation, Denver Foundation, Daniels Fund and Mile High United Way; and energy audit services from the Governor's Energy Office. Plans are to expand the program statewide once funding is secured.

To date, six nonprofit organizations throughout the metro area have been served through NEEP. Urban Peak, an organization that serves homeless youth and a recipient of NEEP, has already seen a 25 percent reduction in it energy usage since receiving insulation in its attic and walls.

"High energy costs in Colorado are unaffordable not only for low-income families, but also for facilities that support families in crisis - shelters, safe houses and transitional housing facilities," said Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado. "When we help these facilities reduce energy costs, they can allocate more of their operating funds directly to serving their clients."

Organizations that may qualify for NEEP funds can call 303-226-5057 for more information.

About Energy Outreach Colorado

Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit organization in the state that raises money to help income-limited Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed more than $78 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. It was named 2006 Outstanding Foundation by National Philanthropy Day in Colorado, has received top ratings from Charity Navigator for five consecutive years and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Energy Outreach Colorado, www.EnergyOutreach.org, can be reached at 303-825-8750 or at 225 E. 16th Ave. Ste. 200, Denver, CO 80203-1612.