Heat Smart Expanding Tribal Partnerships
- February 18, 2015
- Heat Smart
For immediate release
For more information contact: Donna Montaquila, Executive Director, Heat Smart 401.481.8107, donna@northwestwoolen.com
Heat Smart Expanding Tribal Partnerships
WOONSOCKET, RI – February 18, 2015 – In an effort to reach ever more low-income families with their energy-saving program, Heat Smart is participating in the Reservation Economic Summit hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development in March. To be held in Las Vegas, the conference offers unparalleled access to respected tribal leaders, members of congress, federal agency representatives, state and local elected officials and top CEOs on both a regional and national platform. This major event draws thousands of participants and provides an opportunity to network as well as showcase products and services to Native American businesses around the country.
“The best way we can help tribes is by introducing them to our low-cost program that helps low income families keep warm while helping them save on their energy bill,” said Donna Montaquila, Executive Director of the national energy efficiency program. “Our program might also help tribes qualify for federal heat assistance dollars.”
Heat Smart has already brought their program to Alaskan tribes and helped thousands of families. Working with the Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority and the Central Council Tlingit-Haida Regional Indian Tribes in 2013, they shipped 5000 wool blankets to help keep low-income tribal members in remote locations warm through tough winters.
In addition to the blankets, the Heat Smart kit includes weatherstripping and energy saving tips to create a three-pronged approach of warmth, conservaiton and education. They work with community assistance programs, utilities and government agencies across the country to distribute kits to low income families, and hope to introduce more tribes to their program at RES. Using Heat Smart Kits can also help tribes meet their community outreach goals.
“I’m also looking forward to hearing from Department of Energy program leaders at the Energy Forum on Wednesday afternoon,” Montaquila said. “Tribes face challenges when trying to compete for federal programs and keeping up with reporting requirements. With all of us working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of low-income families. Heat Smart can be a big part of the solution and RES is the perfect place to bring all stakeholders together.”
Typically, low income households without adequate bedding had a choice of either shivering all night or turning the heat up. With Heat Smart blankets, they can stay warm and comfortable while still saving on their energy bill. Turning the heat down by just seven to eight degrees can take ten percent off a heating bill, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) statistics.
About Heat Smart
Headquartered in Woonsocket, RI, Heat Smart’s mission is to distribute quality, low-cost blankets, weatherstripping and educational materials to low income households in an effort to help them save money and reduce overall energy use. Their energy efficiency program has already made a big difference to over 500,000 households in 25 states. They are committed to fostering and developing additional successful partnerships with local Community Action Programs and Energy/Utility companies across the country as a cost-effective and efficient channel to distribute Heat Smart kits. More information can be found at: www.heatsmart.net.