Burlington Electric “Shares the Warmth” by Contributing to CVOEO WARMTH Support Program

The Burlington Electric Department has contributed $20,000 to the WARMTH Support Program of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) to help Burlingtonians and Vermonters with heating emergencies this winter.  During last year’s 2017-18 heating season, WARMTH served 337 Burlington households with 528 assists, or direct payments to Burlington Electric to keep the heat on, totaling $48,557.

“For members of our community who face emergencies during the heating season, the WARMTH program helps keep homes warm and the lights on,” said Darren Springer, Burlington Electric General Manager. “Burlington Electric is proud to support the WARMTH program, and we appreciate CVOEO’s leadership in creating and growing the program over the last three decades. We thank our customers who step up every year to contribute toward this impactful effort. Winter in Vermont can be tough, and we encourage our customers who are able to lend a hand to consider joining Burlington Electric in making a contribution.”

Every November, Burlington Electric includes a WARMTH program brochure in its customer bills.  WARMTH funds are available for emergency situations, when a household faces disconnection of utility services or has exhausted its fuel supply and has been unable to secure sufficient assistance through other support channels.  Every dollar contributed by Burlingtonians and other Vermonters to WARMTH goes directly to the utility or fuel supplier of the individual or family in need. WARMTH has contributed nearly $5 million to more than 92,000 Vermonters since the program’s inception in 1986.  In addition to paying utility bills for those in need, WARMTH provides counseling and essential information to households in an effort to help avoid heating crises.  Burlington Electric’s $20,000 gift is an administrative support grant that CVOEO will use to compensate the WARMTH program workers who provide direct service to Burlingtonians and Vermonters.  Burlington Electric has provided similar support since 1986.    

“Burlington Electric’s funding meets a need in a unique way that makes the WARMTH program succeed,” said Jan Demers, CVOEO Executive Director.  “We are so fortunate to have this incredible utility’s ongoing and impactful support.”

“The Board of Electric Commissioners is proud to endorse Burlington Electric’s support of the WARMTH program,” said Gabrielle Stebbins, Chair of the Board of Electric Commissioners.  “We are fortunate to live in a City that walks the walk when it comes to helping our neighbors in need – after all, this kind of community support is what has led Burlington to become one of the most desirable cities in which to live, work, and raise a family.”  

To make a contribution to the WARMTH Support Program, please visit burlingtonelectric.com/WARMTH.