LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Due to the increased number of cold weather days this winter heating season, E.ON U.S. will make additional funds available to low-income customers trying to pay their winter heating bills.

Specifically, E.ON U.S. is making a one-time donation of $100,000 to WinterHelp/WinterCare and is increasing its match for those programs from $1 to $2 — four times the traditional 50-cent match. The increased match will be retroactive, beginning Feb. 1 and continuing through April 30.

The number of days with below-freezing temperatures is the most this area has experienced in several years. Additionally, for the first time in years, the funds for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are dwindling and expected to run out any day. That combination of factors is making for an unfortunate situation for those on fixed incomes.

"In extreme situations we have increased our matches to WinterHelp and WinterCare," said John P. Malloy, Vice President of Retail for E.ON U.S. "We consider the number of cold weather days and lack of LIHEAP funds a severe combination for our low-income customers."

WinterCare and WinterHelp are nonprofit programs promoted by Kentucky Utilities Company and Louisville Gas and Electric Company respectively, and managed by an independent third party. Combined since 1983, the programs have raised more than $6 million dollars.

Residential customers may donate to the programs by rounding their monthly utility bill up to the nearest dollar, by making a monthly pledge or through a one-time contribution. The funds are distributed based on income; however, income guidelines are generally less restrictive than other programs. The donations are tax-deductible.

LG&E customers wanting to sign up for the additional funds can inquire about Winterhelp by calling 502-561-6836. KU customers should contact their local community action agency. Additionally, customers can contact our call center or local walk-in center.


E.ON U.S., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a subsidiary of E.ON A.G., the world's largest investor-owned energy services provider. E.ON U.S. is a diversified energy services company that owns and operates Louisville Gas and Electric Company, a regulated utility that serves 321,000 natural gas and 394,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties, and Kentucky Utilities Company, a regulated electric utility in Lexington, Ky., that serves 525,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia.