Submitted by Puget Sound Energy
As the weather gets colder, Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) community team set out to help make winter a little warmer across the communities PSE serves. Through PSE’s 2023 Warm Winter campaign, 75 nonprofits spanning 10 counties received contributions totaling $200,000. See the complete list here.
These funds support three critical components of a warm winter: meals, clothing, and some holiday joy. Half of the Warm Winter funds specifically go toward the purchase of warm, prepared and/or delivered meals serving individuals who do not have access or ability to use cooking facilities. While $70,000 was provided for the purchase of warm clothing and other critical winter necessities such as jackets, hats, mittens, boots, socks, hand warmers or specialized protective helmets for individuals with physical impairment. The final $30,000 was distributed to help organizations purchase diapers, toys and other holiday cheer items for families experiencing hardship this holiday season.
“PSE’s Warm Winter contribution helps us provide more than meals and winter items, but a safety net for those who need it most, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment,” shared Jason McGill, executive director of NW Youth Services. “Homelessness is their experience, not their identity, and this support helps us empower them to create a brighter future.
In addition to community donations, PSE also has opportunities to help create warmer winters at home. Customers can participate in different home weatherization offerings or may qualify for rebates that help reduce energy bills and make their homes more comfortable. Weatherization prevents the loss of warm (or cool) air through unseen leaks and seams and can be an easy way to save money and energy.
PSE also helps keep customer homes warm through bill pay assistance programs, including a new bill discount rate that can help qualified customers save between 5% and 45% a month on their bill. Customers can visit PSE bill assistance to lean more and see how they may qualify for support.
Note: Funding provided by charitable giving programs from Puget Sound Energy do not come from PSE customer rates or programs and are funded separately by the corporation.
