Group Gets Heated Up With Help From Oil Company

KeepMEcurrent.com - Noella Joncas has done everything she can think of to make her Lamothe Avenue home in Biddeford more energy efficient. She has replaced all her windows, given her oil furnace a tune up and plans to keep the thermostat down this winter.

But, like so many people across Maine, Joncas is worried about whether she will be able to heat her house when the cold weather arrives. On Monday she and others in York County got some good news when Downeast Energy & Building Supply announced at a press conference held in front of Joncas' house that the company is donating $100,000 to heating assistance programs in southern Maine and New Hampshire.

Benefiting directly from the donation is a local organization called Keeping Neighbors Warm, which was formed by local residents and businesses last winter to provide heating assistance funding to families and individuals that may not qualify for traditional assistance programs.

John Peters, president of Downeast Enery & Building Supply, announced a $100,000 donation to local heating assistance programs in Biddeford on Monday. (Photo by Kate Irish Collins)

Keeping Neighbors Warm serves the communities of Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Arundel, Dayton, Hollis, Buxton and the Kennebunks.

“We have a simple philosophy at Keeping Neighbors Warm,” said co-chairman and spokesman Bill Southwick. “Those who can help should and those who need help should ask for it. This year you may need help and next year maybe you’ll be in a position to help others.”

Southwick, John Peters, the president of Downeast Energy, and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins called on other corporations and individuals to make donations as well.

“It will take all of us working together to take care of our neighbors. That’s why I’m calling on other companies and nonprofits to match what Downeast did. I don’t want anyone to choose between staying warm and eating well,” Collins said.

In addition to seeking more federal funding for the Low Income Home Heating Assistance Program, Collins is also seeking increased funding for weatherization programs. She said a home that is winterized could cut its fuel consumption by 31 percent.

Peters said his company doubled its donation to local heating assistance programs this year because “people’s ability to cope with the rising costs of energy has been severely strained.”

Like Collins, Peters also said conservation and weatherization are keys to reducing the demand for heating fuel. He said the U.S. Department of Agriculture is now offering low-interest loans to help homeowners repair or replace heating systems, as well as windows and doors.

Peters also called on organizations like the Salvation Army and other area churches to open their buildings as warming centers and to start neighborhood contact programs, where residents agree to check in on each other.

Southwick said any donations made to Keeping Neighbors Warm would be paid directly to the oil companies providing the heating fuel. He also said that the intake process is confidential. “Don’t let Yankee pride prevent you asking for help,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to contact their community’s general assistance office for help, or go online to www.keepingneighborswarm.org, for more information about help in paying heating bills...Read more >>