Energy Assistance
Pioneer initiated the Gas Assistance Program (GAP) in the Raton Basin operating area in 2005 to help seniors on fixed incomes offset increases in city utility costs. During its second year, GAP expanded to encompass all senior citizens within Las Animas County who qualified financially, simultaneously increasing the qualifying income level to capture more people needing assistance. Pioneer launched a matching grant effort last year, encouraging other Las Animas County businesses to contribute to GAP and raised $20,000 to augment the amount the Company contributed.
Pioneer’s cumulative support for GAP has totaled more than $600,000, and the Company has committed up to $250,000 of assistance in 2007-2008. The South Central Council of Governments administers the program.
According to Executive Vice President of Domestic Operations Jay Still, "Our nation’s energy costs have increased dramatically as a result of growing energy demand and declining energy supply. This is not an easy problem to solve. We recognize the hardship this places on those with limited resources, and to assist the seniors of Las Animas County, we have worked with South Central Council of Governments (SCCOG) to design a program to get help to those who will need it most.”
GAP assisted 574 households in 2006-2007. In addition to supporting GAP, Pioneer gave $40,000 in both 2006 and 2007 to Energy Outreach Colorado with the stipulation that the funds go specifically to Las Animas County residents.
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