Payments of $575 benefit 2,636 households in NSEDC’s member communities
UNALAKLEET – Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC) distributed more than $1.5 million to regional households through their utility providers as part of the 2016 Energy Subsidy. Payments of $575 directly benefited 2,636 households in NSEDC’s member communities. Those living off the electrical grid were given the opportunity for a $575 fuel credit to the fuel vendor in their community.
Less than 4 months after the NSEDC Board of Directors voted to provide Norton Sound households with the $575 energy subsidy, payments were made to utility providers. As with previous subsidies, the 2016 initiative was an isolated contribution, aimed at benefiting every resident in the Norton Sound region, and is not a continuing program. Previous energy subsidies were issued in 2008 and 2012, 2014, and 2015. Households in NSEDC’s 15 member communities, in total, have saved nearly $6.9 million in the five years NSEDC has issued energy subsidies. The NSEDC Board of Directors hopes the energy subsidy provides some economic relief before a busy spring and summer in the Norton Sound region.
“Activity in our communities really picks up in the spring and summer months,” NSEDC Board Chair Oscar Takak of Elim said. “To provide financial assistance leading up to the busiest time of the year has been appreciated throughout the region. I am very proud and grateful NSEDC is in a place where we can provide the energy subsidy that directly benefits every household. The NSEDC Board of Directors and staff will continue to work to ensure financial stability to provide meaningful benefits.”
Payments to the utilities and fuel vendors were completed by April 1, 2016. For more information on the 2016 NSEDC Energy Subsidy, contact Community Benefits Director Paul Ivanoff III at (800) 385-3190 or pivanoff@nsedc.com.
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