Emergency energy assistance available through Energy Share

From Energy Share Montana

Gov. Steve Bullock declared a drought emergency in 19 counties in eastern Montana and two Native American reservations.

The governor’s office said in a statement that those areas have seen record-low precipitation, high temperatures and excessive wind over the last two months. Oats, wheat, peas, sugar beets and other crops have suffered. Pasture and range conditions are poor and dust has made it difficult for ranchers to keep track of cattle.

When conditions like this occur, it can result in financial hardships for the people involved. People facing temporary financial difficulties and loss of heat or lights in their homes with no resources to pay for it themselves can apply for energy assistance through Energy Share of Montana. Energy Share is a 501(c)(3) organization that has provided emergency bill assistance for Montanans since 1983.

For most of the counties affected by this emergency, Energy Share applications may be obtained at the HRDC in Havre, 265-6743. For more information, call Energy Share’s statewide office at 1-888-779-7589 or visit http://www.energysharemt.com.