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Contact:
Angie Townsend
(919) 836-2321
adtownsend@scana.com
Dec. 15, 2004 - Gastonia, N.C. - PSNC Energy has contributed $20,000 to help fund The Salvation Army’s Heat Care program, which is designed to assist needy, disabled and elderly individuals who need help paying their energy bills. The company also has pledged to match public donations up to an additional $15,000.
“Our ongoing partnership with PSNC Energy on the Heat Care Fund demonstrates the concern for community felt by both the company and its customers," said Major Vern Jewett, Salvation Army commander of North Carolina and South Carolina operations. "Their generous support has allowed us to continue our shared mission of helping families cover heating expenses.”
The $20,000 contribution from PSNC Energy kicks off the heating assistance program, which runs November 1, 2004, through May 31, 2005. The company’s cumulative contribution to Heat Care could run as much as $35,000. PSNC will match 50 cents for every $1 contributed -- up to an additional $15,000.
“We know that many folks in our service area are struggling to make ends meet,” said PSNC Energy President and Chief Operating Officer Jerry Richardson. “And we want to do all we can to help families in need stay warm this winter.”
The Heat Care program is in its 22nd year of operation. Since 1989, the program has distributed more than $1 million to help nearly 40,000 residents in PSNC Energy’s service area pay their heating bills. Last year, donations in excess of $52,000 reached more than 1,500 individuals. Funds are distributed to those in need regardless of the type of heating used.
PSNC Energy customers may contribute to Heat Care by including a separate check -- made payable to The Salvation Army Heat Care Fund -- along with their monthly natural gas bills. Customers and the general public also may make contributions by check to any local Salvation Army office within PSNC Energy’s service territory. All donations are tax deductible.
PSNC Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of SCANA Corp., is franchised to serve a 28-county service area in North Carolina and distributes natural gas to approximately 400,000 winter-peak customers in 96 cities and communities ranging from the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill areas in the north central part of the state; the Concord, Statesville, Gastonia and Forest City areas in the Piedmont; to the Asheville, Hendersonville and Sylva areas in the western part of the state.
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