I am pleased to be a part of this important gathering today.

First, I want to encourage all who are concerned by the escalating costs of energy and the effects it will have on many vulnerable Missourians to join in this fund-raising effort. Heat up St. Louis performs an outstanding service not only for St. Louis but for the entire metro area.

Today, I also want to announce new efforts by my office to link up to Heat Up Missouri to help protect Missourians and to help consumers better know their rights under the Missouri Cold Weather Rule. I have been very concerned about the effects the escalating energy costs will have on the most vulnerable citizens in our state – the poor, the elderly and the disabled. Already, my office filed to intervene in a Public Service Commission investigation of natural gas distribution companies to determine what steps, if any, have been taken to mitigate sharp price increases for natural gas.

Missouri rules and regulations require monopoly utilities to take measures to mitigate upward price volatility for consumers. This intervention, on behalf of Missouri state agencies, departments and companies, will allow me to conduct an independent investigation to determine their compliance with those rules.

Furthermore, I have joined with Attorneys General in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin seeking data from natural gas distribution companies to determine measures various companies are taking to lock in prices when rates are lower. We hope to use our combined information to make recommendations for state regulatory changes and protection programs for low-income and other at risk groups. We must all work together to increase our advocacy for those struggling with the escalating costs of fuel. The most vulnerable in our society- the poor, the elderly and the disabled -should not have to choose between eating and heating. I pledge to work with Heat Up by linking our website to represent Missouri consumers to the extent allowed by law.

Today, our office is offering new information on our website and linking our site to Heat Up in an effort to provide information on the Missouri Cold Weather Rule and to give consumers a better opportunity to alert our office if they have information that rule has been violated. To access this new web page go to www.ago.mo.gov. The information provided on our website can be used as a reference for all those who are working with our elderly, our disabled and the poor to direct them to agencies that can assist and to help them ensure their rights under the Missouri Cold Weather Rule.

In addition, I want consumers to use our hotline at 1-800-392-8222 as an additional resource for questions about the Cold Weather Rule and to ensure your rights are protected. To those who feel they have been illegally disconnected from natural gas or electrical services, in violation of the Missouri Cold Weather Rule, I encourage you to contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-800-392-8222.

Our office will work to determine if you are being treated fairly under the Missouri Cold Weather Rule. Next, if you have already signed up for the budget plan, as allowed by the Cold Weather Rule, and feel that you have been unfairly removed from the plan, contact our office at 1-800-392-8222.

And finally, if you feel you have been ripped off by a repair service or charged excessive amounts to correct any safety issues relating to your electric heat, boiler or furnace call our hotline at 1-800-392-8222. In closing, I want to congratulate Heat Up for performing an outstanding public service and to encourage all consumer advocates and others concerned for the safety and well being of some of Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens to get involved – both as a donor to Heat Up and as an consumer advocate. Thank you Mr. Trotter, Mayor Slay, Dr. Knight, Chief Zeitzman and other city leaders for your efforts and commitment.

St. Louis, MO: Heat-Up St. Louis, a regional, independent, all-volunteer energy assistance and education charity rolled out its 2005/06 winter campaign theme, “It Shouldn’t Take A Bank to Heat A Home.” The all-volunteer charity announced at its press conference on Thursday at the St. Louis City Hall several aggressive initiatives to provide various relief and consumer protection to area citizens in association with the City of St. Louis and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

Heat-Up St. Louis officials also announced that in addition to supporting special fundraisers throughout the winter, and website credit card donations through www.heatupstlouis.org more than 30 UMB Bank Centers in Missouri and Illinois have agreed to accept drop-off donations to any bank teller, including the drive-thru. Another positive development announced was that the charity is now accepting marketable securities as donations. Donations of marketable securities are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Heat-Up St. Louis, c/o UMB Bank, P.O. Box 868, St. Louis, MO 63188.

“The contribution budgets for potential donors appear to be stretched or tapped out, as many are experiencing the same increases in heating,” said Gentry W. Trotter, president of the board of directors for Heat-Up St. Louis. “For the selected few dollars left, we want to be the gift vehicle during these trying and demanding times. The St. Louis region has always shown great humanitarian passion for giving to those truly in need.”

St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay announced that the City of St. Louis, through its Utility Tax Fund, is providing a grant of $100,000 to Heat-Up St. Louis this winter. Slay made a $75,000 down payment on the commitment. Heat-Up St. Louis officials are in further discussions with the City to seek additional energy assistance dollars due to the anticipated volume of needy residents qualifying for help this winter based on escalating heating bills.

“Due to the terrible aftermath of two severe gulf coast hurricanes and several other reasons, heating bills will be extremely high and unmanageable,” observed Slay. “Many of the most fragile families of our community may experience a devastating impact without energy assistance.”

Slay observed that Heat-Up St. Louis has become a critical safety net for many throughout the region, particularly in St. Louis City.

The qualifications are based on income eligibility and medical conditions. Unlike other supplementary dollars distributed by Heat-Up St. Louis in partnership with about 13 social service and community action agencies, the City money often serves as the primary safety net in paying upwards to $650 of a delinquent heating bill.

For several months, Heat-Up St. Louis has been in discussion with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office to identify ways to strengthen and protect area consumers against utility irregularities. In addition, many Missouri seniors and disabled people are subject each winter to rip-offs related to furnace repairs, etc. The charity through its hotline will refer certain cases to the Attorney General’s Hotline for review.

“I pledge to work with Heat Up by linking our website to represent Missouri consumers to the extent allowed by law,” said Jay Nixon, Missouri Attorney General. “Today, our office is offering new information on our website and linking our site to Heat Up in an effort to provide information on the Missouri Cold Weather Rule and to give consumers a better opportunity to alert our office if they have information that rule has been violated.”

“I don’t feel comfortable with the gross insensitivity coming from the current leadership at the Missouri Public Service Commission, said Gentry W. Trotter, president of the Board of Directors of the not-profit-charity.” “They had an opportunity to lift an extra burden on its area utility consumers. Instead they slammed the door on many of the working sniffs, and potentially helped add nails in the coffins of many seniors who have serious medical issues while making choices between heating and eating. “

“We must all work together to increase our advocacy for those struggling with the escalating costs of fuel, said Nixon. “The most vulnerable in our society- the poor, the elderly and the disabled -should not have to choose between eating and heating.”

Those who feel they have been illegally disconnected from natural gas or electrical services, in violation of the Missouri Cold Weather Rule, are encourage by the Nixon to contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-800-392-8222. The office will work to determine if you are being treated fairly under the Missouri Cold Weather Rule.

“Heat up St. Louis performs an outstanding service not only for St. Louis but for the entire metro area,” concluded Nixon.

Trotter further called on the MO PSC to reconsider an Emergency Cold Weather Rule to help middle income and the needy pay down their high winter heating bills. The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Emergency Amendment to the Cold Weather Rule in 2001 proved to be effective. Under that Emergency Rule the residential customer could pay $250.00, or 25% of their past due gas bills, or whichever was less.

The PSC emergency rule provided a more lenient payment term for reconnection for residential customers, and prohibits assessment of late payment charges on deferred amounts, and prohibits interested charges as well.

The lack of affordable natural gas has worsened due in part by the back-to-back destructive hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. A shortage of natural gas is forcing prices up, according to Dr. James Knight vice chairman of the board of directors

“Despite this we are facing a lot of medical and emotional issues, relating to the most venerable, our elderly and the disabled,” said Dr. Knight. “We’re in for a desperately chilly experience this winter, no matter who is to blame. “

There are secondary health effects. When people with diabetic or asthmatic conditions turn down thermostats too low in an effort to make ends meet, they become more susceptible to respiratory infections, pneumonia and frostbite because they sometimes can’t feel cold temperatures.

Joining Heat-Up officials was Fire Chief Larry Zeitzmann, president of the Metropolitan St. Louis Fire Chiefs Association, who talked about the significant of avoiding unsafe methods of heating homes. The organization also endorsed Heat-Up St. Louis for educating the public on health and safety issues in an effort to reduce home fires during the winter months. Winter is the highest incidents of deadly house fires. The St. Louis area recently experienced numerous fires reportedly related to space heaters. Space heaters should not be used for primary heating during winter months.

In addition to helping area elderly, the disabled, and low-income families with small children with their winter delinquent heating bills for the past four winters, Heat-Up St. Louis offers health and safety public education, utility counseling, and advocacy. It’s the only area energy assistance charity with a resource hotline (314-241-7668) and a “Be A Good Neighbor, Check On Your Neighbor,” safety outreach for seniors and the disabled. These programs are executed solely on a volunteer bases.

Since is inception, Heat-Up St. Louis has impacted the lives of more than 65,000 people in an effort to keep them safe and healthy during the winter months.

(Heat-Up St. Louis is also non-partisan. Lt. Governor Peter Kinder of Missouri, and Senate Maida Coleman, minority floor leader are ex-officio members of the board)

Volunteers will be wearing bright sunshine yellow caps, with a Cool Down St. Louis logo and carrying canisters. Employees from Citigroup and Elsevier will join area firefighters, board members, and media personalities in collecting donations in yellow and pale buckets two hours before each game at all the entrances and on the corners near Busch Stadium. About 200 volunteers will participate over the weekend.

“Summer is heating up and the possibility of discovering an area senior or disabled who is either sick or dead is a blunt reality,” says Melanie DiLeo, chairwoman of the board of directors of the regional cooling charity. “The worst enemy of the elderly is not having the resources to maintain life’s essential.”

The Hardee’s concession stands at the stadium will also donate the entire sales proceeds of the French fries to Cool Down St. Louis during the weekend. Donations may also be sent to: Cool Down St. Louis, c/o UMB Bank, P.O. Box 868, St. Louis, MO 63188, or by credit at the organization’s secured website at cooldownstlouis.org. For cooling assistance the public can call, 314-241-7668.

100% of all donations go to the needy, as the all-volunteer 46 member board underwrites all administrative costs. Last summer, the charity received only $25,000 in summer donations, including more than 300 donated air-conditioners. The group is hoping to raise about $10,000 with this Cardinals weekend fundraiser which will help pay high electric bills and purchase much needed air-conditioners for many area qualified seniors and the disabled people.

The Pasta House Co. will encourage customers and the public during the entire month of March to drop off $1.00 or more tax-deductible donations in canisters and receive die-cut colored flames. They can place their names on the flames and the items will be posted within the Italian family restaurants in both Missouri and Illinois.

“We are fortunate to have a caring St. Louis,” says J. Kim Tucci, The Pasta House Co. president, and chairman emertius of the Heat-Up St. Louis, all-volunteer board. “Many needy people are without gas and electric and still making tough choices between heating and eating.”

The funds from the March Pasta House Co. restaurant fundraiser will benefit the area elderly, disabled, and low-income families who have difficulties in paying home heating bills. Many have already had their services disconnected or they are being threatrened with a disconnect notice.

Tucci reminds the public that March is the last month that households in Missouri will be protected by the Missouri Public Service Commissioner’s “Cold Weather Rule.” The rule prohibits area utilities from disconnecting home heating services when the temperature is 32 degrees or below. It also provides the customer an opportunity to make payment agreements.

Last month’s “The Hardee’s Rise and Shine for Heat,” fundraiser collected more than $50,000 in donations from the special sell of various biscuit sandwiches, and small donations given to more than 350 volunteers, who served as celebrity hosts.

“We use the funds from Heat-Up St. Louis as a financial bridge,” states Merlene Anderson, executive director for the St. Louis County Community Action Agency. “Many clients have large utility bills and there are often not enough funding sources to help pay the bills.”

This year’s theme of ” Have a Heart and Heat Home,” included Mayor Francis G. Slay, St. Louis Fire Chief Sherman George and about ten other area fire chiefs, members of the the Fire Chiefs Association of Greater St. Louis, Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Melanie Dileo of Citigroup, MO State Auditor Claire McCaskill, Reverend Earl E. Nance, Jr., Police Chief Joe Mokwa, State Senator Patrick Doughtery, a host of area municipal Mayors, and local radio and television celebrities.

As a matter of fact, all three major television station networks, Channel 4, 5 and 2 provided live morning segments at various Hardee’s locations. The day before, Channel 11 did a live weather shot. Channel 46, 30 and the 14 networks of Charter Cable also provided on air PSA support. They were joined with the strong support of about 15 radio stations, who provided live remotes, call-ins and live-liner support while entertaining the thousands of Hardee’s customers who dropped off donations, or purchased a made-for-scratch egg and cheese biscuit or sausage and egg biscuit sandwich for the special price of $1.00.

“The people of St. Louis have shown tremendous generosity,” said Melanie McVay DiLeo, chairwoman of the board of directors for Heat-Up St. Louis.Ê “These are challenging times for needy households, and we are delighted that Hardee’s showed a tremendous civic spirit and St. Louis pride to ensure that many will not go without heat this winter.”

People still wishing to give may do so, by logging onto the secured website of www.heatupstlouis.org or by writing a tax-deductible check or money order to Heat-Up St. Louis, c/o UMB Bank, P.O. Box 868, St. Louis, MO 63188. Those needing assistance may call the Heat-Up Resource Hotline at 314-241-7668 and follow the instructions, please.

Hardee’s Celebrity Host volunteers from various fire departments, including civic, business, political and media persons, will Rise and Shine for Heat to help needy families, the elderly and disabled with their delinquent energy bills.

The volunteer Hosts will meet and greet customers in the dining room and drive-thru, and ask Hardee’s customers for donations, while wearing Hardee’s Rise and Shine pocket aprons. In addition, there will be coin canisters on the front counters of more than 70 area Hardee’s restaurants.

Last year, the Hardee’s Rise and Shine project raised about $40,000 in donations. 100% of all donations go toward helping the needy, as all expenses are underwritten. The charity is also encouraging area civic, and business groups to pre-order in bulk, the breakfast sandwiches through the local Hardee’s General Manager.

Hardee’s is also donating its Sausage and Egg biscuit sandwiches by selling them for the special price of $1.00, and the entire proceeds will benefit Heat-Up St. Louis. This nonprofit organization distributes funds in the form of heating grants to area social service and community action organizations, who qualify needy people for energy assistance in an effort to pay their home heating bills in sixteen counties of Missouri and Illinois.

“People are really hurting this year with the high costs of natural gas, and home heating oil, and many are forced to make a choice between eating and heating their homes,” says Dr. James Knight, vice chair of the board of directors of the regional energy assistance not-for-profit charity.

This year, the Fire Chiefs Association of Greater St. Louis has endorsed Heat-Up St. Louis because of its public awareness campaign  of encouraging residents to avoid unsafe methods of heating their homes.  Heat-Up St. Louis officials note that people often use a space heater as a primary source of home heating, and they should used them only as a supplemental heating source.

For those who cannot participate in the Rise and Shine Fundraiser, they may send a tax-deductible donation to: Heat-Up St. Louis, c/o UMB Bank, P.O. Box 868, St. Louis, MO 63188, or use charge cards through the secured website at www.heatupstlouis.org.

“We are pleased to help area needy families in an effort to stay safe, healthy and warm each winter,” says Steve Lemley, general campaign chairman and vice president of field marketing for Hardee’s. “The elderly and disabled people on fixed incomes are balancing their budgets with high prescription, grocery, rent and utility bills.  This is a great time for neighbors to ‘Have A Heart and Heat A Home’.”

People requiring energy assistance, or utility counseling should call the Heat-Up St. Louis Resource Hotline at 314-241-7668. Heat-Up St. Louis also works with area social service and community action agencies as the regional safety net to help qualify those in need of energy assistance and utility counseling, etc.