As temperatures rise along with an increased burden on families, GRACE is working with corporate partners to combat the sweltering utility costs for local families facing hardship.
In Northeast Tarrant County and counties across Texas, families with an income of less than $50,000 a year devote as much as 17% of their income to residential and transportation energy. An increase during the summer months has shown to lead to decisions that create a negative ripple effect for a family with conflicting necessities.
A recent poll of low-income families revealed that increased energy costs led to skipping meals, doctor’s visits and medication refills to make up the difference.
The mounting cost of utility bills over the summer is especially detrimental to senior citizens, who often live in older, poorly-insulated homes and almost always rely on a tight fixed income.
TXU Energy has dedicated their energy to helping GRACE families for over ten years. TXU Energy has earmarked a collective pool of $45,000 each year to help their customers during times of crisis. This was made possible through grants such as TXU Energy Aid and TXU Energy Efficiency, which also provides fans and AC units to qualifying families.
“TXU Energy and GRACE have been partners for many years to help TXU Energy customers who are in crisis situations,” said TXU Senior Manager of Community Affairs Kim Campbell, “In 2015 GRACE helped nearly 200 families with TXU Energy Aid funds so they didn’t have to choose between rent, food and other household expenses.”
During that time, TXU Energy contributed an additional $41,500 as sponsors for Drive Into the Night and the GRACE Gala. All proceeds of these events fund programs throughout the year.
Please continue to pray for the safety and protection of these family members and seniors during the scorching summer months.
