PowerStream spreading ‘Winter Warmth’ to other parts of service area

Financially-strapped customers in Barrie, Simcoe County now eligible to receive help in paying bills

VAUGHAN, ON – PowerStream Barrie Hydro Distribution is pleased to announce the expansion of its ‘Winter Warmth’ bill payment assistance program to include residential customers who live in Barrie and Simcoe County communities, currently served by the electricity distribution company, that are facing financial difficulties.

The utility, which delivers electricity to more than 320,000 customers residing or doing business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario, also increased its funding of the initiative to $50,000 from the $30,000 allocated the previous two years, prior to the company’s merger with Barrie Hydro, when the program was only offered to PowerStream customers in York Region. The Winter Warmth program is a province-wide initiative, funded by several electricity and gas utilities, that helps financially struggling families and individuals pay their energy bills during the cold months. The program is coordinated by the United Way through a network of more than 60 community agencies. Since the program’s launch in 2004, more than 9,000, Ontario households have received assistance.

“As a company concerned about the well-being of individuals and families in our service territory, we have a responsibility to provide assistance as best we can for those facing financial hardship, especially in these difficult economic times,” said Brian Bentz, President and CEO of PowerStream, pointing out that the $50,000 being contributed to Winter Warmth is in addition to the $130,000 the company announced last week it was donating to the United Way organizations in York Region and Greater Simcoe County.

The expansion of PowerStream Barrie Hydro Distribution’s involvement in Winter Warmth also coincided with an increase in the number of electricity and gas utilities in Ontario now participating in the program. In addition to PowerStream Barrie Hydro Distribution, Burlington Hydro, Enbridge Gas Distribution, Enersource Hydro Mississauga, Horizon Utilities, Hydro One, Hydro Ottawa, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Ltd., Union Gas Ltd. and Veridian Connections Inc. are now assisting families and individuals in need of financial assistance to pay for their energy bills during the winter months.

“We’re thrilled by the increased support for the Winter Warmth program across Ontario,” said Manny Sousa, Chair of the Winter Warmth Provincial Steering Committee. “The increase in participation means that Winter Warmth will be able to reach even more families and individuals in need this winter and underlines the important role this program plays in communities across the province.”

Call centres at participating utilities advise customers on where and how to apply for Winter Warmth program funding by directing them to the appropriate United Way agency in their area. After successful completion of the application process, the agency applies the funding directly to the applicant’s utility bill.

Eligible grant recipients include residential customers that, due to reduced income levels or extenuating circumstances, are in arrears or at risk of going into arrears on their utility bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support.