Just Energy Provides Relief To Philadelphia Families Through Emergency Utility Assistance Program

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Just Energy Group Inc. (NYSE:JE, TSX:JE), a leading competitive retailer of natural gas, electricity and green energy in North America, is pleased to provide financial support to the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF), a community nonprofit utility assistance and housing stabilization organization in Philadelphia. 

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The donation will be used by UESF to support thousands of low-income families throughout the city who turn to UESF as a last resort to avoid termination of utility services.

Since 1983, UESF has provided over $70 million of utility assistance to over 150,000 families, assisting them to achieve new starts. In addition to energy assistance, UESF's mission includes a comprehensive housing stabilization program designed to prevent homelessness, and keep families in their homes for the long term. Working with local partners, UESF has successfully moved families from shelters and near homeless situations to permanent housing by helping with utilities, rent and other supportive services.

Last year, UESF assisted nearly 3000 families with over $2 million in assistance grants and expects this year to serve more than 3500 with over $3.5 million in grants. The average UESF participant is a single female parent living in Philadelphia, having between 1 and 3 children, and an average annual income of just over $13,000.

As an independent energy retailer, Just Energy provides electricity and natural gas supply programs under both its Commerce Energy and Just Energy brands, serving approximately 50,000 customers and employing over 75 sales representatives and support staff in Pennsylvania.

"Supporting the communities in which we operate is an important part of our business philosophy at Just Energy," said Ken Hartwick, President and CEO of Just Energy. "We are proud to be associated with the Utility Emergency Services Fund and contribute to their crucial programs and services established to assist families in need secure basic essential services while building stronger, supportive communities."

UESF Executive Director John Rowe views the UESF-Just Energy partnership as a key component to the growth of UESF's services to vulnerable families and welcomes the support.  "We are grateful for Just Energy's commitment of resources to our mission in Philadelphia," said Rowe. "Our collaboration with the corporate energy community continues to play a vital role in our development and I commend Just Energy's willingness to give back to families residing where they do business." 

About Just Energy Group Inc.
Established in 1997, Just Energy (TSX:JE)(NYSE:JE) is primarily a competitive retailer of natural gas and electricity. With offices located across the United States, Canada and now the United Kingdom, Just Energy serves close to 2 million residential and commercial customers through a wide range of energy programs and home comfort services, including fixed-price or price-protected energy program contracts, the rental of water heaters, furnaces and air conditioners and the installation of solar panels. Just Energy Group Inc. is the parent to Amigo Energy, Commerce Energy, Hudson Energy, Hudson Energy Solar, National Home Services, Momentis, Pioneer Energy, Tara Energy and Terra Grain Fuels. Visit http://www.justenergy.com/ to learn more. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

About the UESF
Established in 1983 as the City's go to organization for emergency utility assistance, UESF has since expanded its focus to address the broader housing issues facing low income Philadelphians. Today, UESF serves over 3000 families a year through a combination of direct utility and housing assistance, benefits and supportive services, and self-sufficiency education to keep people in their homes.  Visit www.uesfacts.org for more information.

SOURCE Just Energy Group Inc.