Need help paying utility bill? The first request for aid should go through government aid programs: Omaha: 595.3608. Nebraska: 800.430.3244. Iowa: 515.281.3861 or www.dcaa.iowa.gov To donate: Contributions may be made along with your monthly utility bill. For information: Metropolitan Utilities District - 402.554.6666 Omaha Public Power District - 402.536.4131 Aquila Inc. - 800.303.0752 or www.aquila.com MidAmerican Energy Co. - 888.427.5632 or www.midamerican.com

12.8.05 Mayor seeks public's help with poor people's heat bills by Nancy Gaarder, Omaha World-Herald Mayor Mike Fahey and utility officials on Thursday asked people to open their hearts and wallets to help the poor with their heating bills. Fahey said he doesn't want a repeat of the candle-related fire last year that killed Maria Montanez and daughters Candy, Angeles and Dalila. The family had been without electricity for more than a month. "That was a tragedy we will never forget," Fahey said. "We must see that it never happens again." Record energy prices mean more families than usual are likely to struggle with higher than normal bills this winter. The city recently discovered that 10 of 14 homes that had been without electricity for more than two weeks had a combined 15 children in them. Gary Gates, president of the Omaha Public Power District, said demand for assistance is running ahead of last year. So far this year, 730 families have received financial help compared with 623 a year ago, an increase of 16 percent. But what worries many is that the worst of winter has yet to arrive. Tom Wurtz, president of Metropolitan Utilities District, said his chief message to customers who are struggling financially is that they should seek help as soon as possible and not to wait. Click here to go to the top of this page

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