[Press Release] : Air conditioner replacements help those in need

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2006

CONTACT: Tina Worley
Utility Services Supervisor
or
 Connie Kacprowicz
Communications Specialist
(573) 874-7325

Air conditioner replacements help those in need	
First units to be distributed: 
Thursday, July 27, at 9 a.m.
Central Missouri Community Action
400 Wilkes Boulevard
Columbia, Missouri

	(COLUMBIA, MO) - New energy-efficient window air conditioners
will be distributed at the Central Missouri Community Action Center
(CMCA) to 100 low-income residents who are in need of more efficient,
cost-effective units. On July 27, at 9 a.m. the first unit will be
distributed as part of a pilot Air Conditioner Exchange Program, funded
by Columbia Water and Light in partnership with CMCA. The program’s
goal is to help low-income Columbians who are elderly and/or
disabled.	
	Columbia Water and Light appropriated $12,000 to the Air
Conditioner Exchange Program. The Central Missouri Community Action
Center has been identifying possible participants who are either over
age 65, disabled or families with young children who have an annual
income of less than 150 percent of the poverty level. The new units will
help Columbians control cooling costs, help with the city’s
conservation efforts and provide effective cooling to prevent
health-related heat issues.
	Harold Cottle, age 67, of Columbia will be the first recipient
of the new energy efficient air conditioner. Other program participants
can pick up their units at the Central Missouri Community Action Center
or arrange for the unit to be installed. A weatherization crew from CMCA
will make home visits to perform an air leak audit. The teams will make
any improvements needed, such as adding insulation, replacing doors,
caulking and weather stripping free of charge. This weatherization
service is also available to other area residents who meet the same
criteria as the Air Conditioner Exchange Program guidelines.
	Tina Worley, utility services manager with Columbia Water and
Light, says, “This is part of Columbia Water and Light’s continued
efforts to help our customers be more energy efficient. We are
especially concerned about Columbians with lower incomes during the hot
summer months. We want them to have access to cooling that will be cost
effective. Partnering with the Central Missouri Community Action Center
is a wonderful way for our utility to help those in need.”

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