To assist local residents struggling with unusually high energy bills resulting from a record cold winter, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation is asking the public and its employees to join the cooperative in a matching funds campaign to provide emergency assistance for those in critical situations.
Donations are tax deductible.
We are fortunate to already have the program in place and agencies ready so that we can act fast during this unusual time of need, said Doug Johnson, chief executive officer, Blue Ridge Electric. Emergency relief funds will be made available to local residents needing assistance with any type of energy bill, including electric, propane, heating fuel, kerosene, etc. We understand the serious effects that extremely cold weather and rising energy costs have presented to families everywhere this winter, and this is one way we believe Blue Ridge Electric can help, said Johnson. Blue Ridge has held electric rates steady for the eighth consecutive year, and as a cooperative business operating on the philosophy that we should help those we serve, we believe this is the right thing to do for our communities. Those interested in making a donation should contact their local Blue Ridge Electric office or mail their contribution to the cooperative, in charge of Grey Scheer, director of community relations, at PO Box 112, Lenoir, NC, 28645.