CHEYENNE - Energy Share of Wyoming, the non-profit agency providing needs-based energy assistance to households across the state, begins its 2012-2013 fundraising efforts this week. The agency's goal for its 25th year of operations is to raise more than $125,000 in voluntary contributions for energy assistance to more than 400 families statewide.

"We are very fortunate in Wyoming to have so many generous people who want to help their neighbors get through rough times," said Sharon Fain, a member of Energy Share's volunteer board and an employee of Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power, a Black Hills Corp. utility. "Over the years, our program has been very successful and thanks to that support, we've been able to assist thousands of families in need."

Energy Share of Wyoming is funded by tax-deductible donations and sponsored by 16 Wyoming businesses, organizations and communities. The Salvation Army determines who will receive Energy Share assistance, based on available Energy Share funds and after applicants have exhausted all other resources and means of assistance.

Last year, Energy Share raised nearly $100,000 in private and corporate donations to assist nearly 240 families in 11 counties throughout the state. The average assistance per qualified applicant was $284.

Sponsoring utilities include instructions in their fall and winter billing statements. In areas without a sponsoring utility, individuals may send their tax-deductible donations to:

Energy Share of Wyoming, 2324 Dry Ranch Rd., Sheridan, WY 82801

Individuals and families at or above 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level receive first consideration, with priority given to senior citizens and the disabled. Energy Share provides for a one-time expenditure of up to $400 per household, and all applicants must be Wyoming residents. Individuals interested in applying for funds should contact their local Salvation Army or call 1-877-461-5719 toll-free to locate their local Salvation Army field representative.

The 16 Energy Share of Wyoming sponsors are
  • Black Hills Power & Light
  • Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power
  • Energy West Inc.
  • First Federal Savings Bank, Sheridan
  • The City of Gillette
  • Kelly Rizley Advertising & PR
  • The Town of Lusk
  • MDU Co.
  • Powder River Energy Corp.
  • The City of Powell
  • Questar
  • Rocky Mountain Power
  • The Salvation Army
  • Source Gas
  • Townsquare Media Group
  • Wyoming Rural Electric Association


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