NSEDC Board of Directors’ issuance of 2014 Energy Subsidy aids nearly 2,700 regional households
Working to ease the bite of electric bills, Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC) paid a total of $1.32 million toward member community residents’ utility accounts in early 2014. The assistance came in the form of a $500 energy subsidy that benefitted nearly 2,700 households in the Norton Sound region.
The majority of households received a credit with their local electric utility provided, while those living off the electrical grid were given the opportunity for a $500 fuel credit to the fuel vendor in their community. Payments to the electric utilities and fuel vendors were completed by April 1, totaling $1.32 million.
As with previous subsidies, the 2014 initiative was an isolated contribution, aimed at benefiting every resident in the Norton Sound region, and is not a continuing program. Previous energy subsidies were issued in 2008 and 2012, applying $1.8 million and $1.34 million, respectively, to residents’ bills. Households in NSEDC’s 15 member communities, in total, have saved $3.8 million in the three years that NSEDC’s Board of Directors has issued the energy subsidies.
“With energy costs so high in our region and many of our residents using a majority their cash resources to keep the lights on, the board hopes this payment will allow those in our communities to use their money for other priorities,” NSEDC Board Chairman Dan Harrelson says. “This one-time contribution will benefit every resident and we’re pleased the payments were made so quickly. While it was a mild winter, which provided relief for our fuel bills, it was still dark and the power use does not stop. The NSEDC Board of Directors hopes the energy subsidy provides some economic relief before a busy spring and summer in the Norton Sound region.”
Households signed up directly with NSEDC to receive the 2014 Energy Subsidy.
For more information on NSEDC’s 2014 Energy Subsidy, contact Paul Ivanoff III in Unalakleet at 1-800-385-3190 or pivanoff@nsedc.com.
