For immediate release 1-06-09

For information contact:

(781) 246-6363

WMGLD Continues Support for the

Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund

(Wakefield, MA) – The Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD) is again offering its help to those in need by participating in the Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

As a customer of one of the Massachusetts municipal and private electric utility sponsors that are participating in the program, WMGLD customers will receive a Good Neighbor Energy Fund envelope with their January bill which they can use to make a tax-deductible donation, in any amount, to the Salvation Army. The fund, now in its 24^th year, helps provide energy assistance to residents in temporary crisis who are struggling to pay their energy bills and do not qualify for federal or state energy funds.

Last year, the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund helped more than 2,977 families pay an electric, gas or oil bill. Since 1985, the Fund has raised more than $15.5 million and assisted over 72,000 needy families.

Those who receive assistance from the program must meet income eligibility guidelines. Income for either the prior twelve months or the past month (times 12 months for a total annual figure) must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state's median income levels. Income guidelines vary from $27,876 to $37,168 for an individual, and $53,608 to $71,478 for a family of four. Each household can receive a maximum grant of $300 per season regardless of the amount owed. Grants for a household must be paid directly to the vendor.

“The WMGLD is pleased to again sponsor this program with other participating gas, electric and oil companies,” WMGLD General Manager Pete Dion said. “WMGLD customers were very receptive to the program last year and we hope that this year everyone will be as generous. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a great program because it offers help to low-income families who do not qualify for other energy assistance.”

In addition to using the envelopes in the WMGLD bills, tax-deductible donations can also be sent directly to the MA Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 147 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02216-5197. Further information about the fund can be obtained on the Good Neighbor Energy Fund website www.magoodneighbor.org.

Anyone who is in a temporary crisis and would like to apply for funds can contact the Salvation Army at 800-334-3047, or visit the website at www.use.salvationarmy.org/mas. Additional information about energy assistance can be obtained at the WMGLD business office, on the WMGLD website at www.wmgld.com or by calling 781-246-6363.