The United Way of Bruce Grey handed out over 340 thousand dollars last year (2011) thru its’ Winter Warmth program.
That compares with only 135 thousand dollars handed out in the program in 2010.
Executive director Francesca Dobbyn says they helped over 500 families last year pay some of their utility costs compared with just under 200 the year before.
In 2011, the United Way of Bruce Grey Owen Sound used over 191 thousand dollars to help area residents with their Hydro One bills, and nearly 61 thousand dollars for Union Gas bills.
Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn says for many families they need support on more than just one utility bill.
Most of their clients are working poor, the newly unemployed, injured workers, or seniors and those on government assistance.
Dobbyn says she has seen homeowners walk away from their houses because, while they can afford the mortgage they cannot afford the increased utility costs.
She cites raising energy costs as a significant burden for families in the region.
There has been a 57 per cent increase in furnace oil costs since 2009, electricity has increased by 27 per cent and 48 per cent respectively, before you add on the HST.
Fortunately for people with natural gas or propane, Dobbyn says rates have either reduced or remained largely unchanged.
