NEUAC Annual Awards
During the Annual Conference, NEUAC honors the outstanding efforts of members and partners advancing energy assistance for those in need. The Extra Mile Award, presented during LIHEAP Action Day, recognizes a member of Congress who has been a dedicated champion of LIHEAP.
Sister Pat Kelley Achievement Award
Charlie Harak
National Consumer Law Center
Charlie Harak has spent over four decades fighting for energy justice and consumer protections for low-income families. As a staff attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, he has led efforts across the country to establish affordability programs, prevent disconnections, and shape inclusive energy policy. His deep expertise, relentless advocacy, and generosity as a mentor have made a lasting impact on both policy and people, keeping thousands of families safely connected to essential utility services.
About the award: The Sister Pat Kelley Achievement Award recognizes a person with exemplary achievement in furthering the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition’s (NEUAC) objectives of increasing public awareness of access issues related to heating and cooling, advancing energy assistance policy, and promoting charitable energy assistance. Sister Pat Kelley was a nun based in St. Louis, Missouri, with the Sisters of Charity order. She founded the national effort to advocate for vulnerable households for energy assistance. After the summer of 1980 when hundreds of vulnerable citizens died during a terrible midwest heatwave, Sister Pat Kelley started an organization, Missouri EnergyCare, that would eventually become the National Fuel Funds Network and later NEUAC, with a mission to advocate for energy assistance.>/p>
Edward G. Gingold Award
Division of Energy Assistance, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
This year’s award honors the dedicated staff of the Division of Energy Assistance, whose commitment to public service and the administration of LIHEAP has been unwavering. Despite recent terminations beyond their control, these individuals worked tirelessly to protect and deliver energy assistance to vulnerable households nationwide. Their integrity, professionalism, and deep care for the communities they served leave a legacy we are proud to recognize.
About the award: The Edward G. Gingold Award was created in 2023 to recognize outstanding achievements by a government entity or employee of a government entity on behalf of economically challenged families and individuals. Government entities including tribes, state LIHEAP offices, local government offices, federal government offices, and/or the specific employee(s) of these entities may be nominated who demonstrate commitment to the mission of NEUAC, lowering the energy burdens of vulnerable populations, and addressing household energy crises in their communities. Mr. Gingold spent more than 40 years at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and was a long-time NEUAC board member.
Corporate Excellence Award
PSE&G, New Jersey
PSE&G is being recognized for its innovative and comprehensive approach to supporting vulnerable customers. Through creative program design and meaningful partnerships, they have provided wraparound services that go beyond bill assistance—demonstrating a deep commitment to equity, energy affordability, and community well-being. Their approach offers a strong model for organizations working to advance energy equity and affordability.
About the award: Corporate Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievements by a company or corporate entity on behalf of its economically challenged customers. Utilities or other corporate partners may be nominated who demonstrate innovative practices, outstanding community partnership, or impressive depth of programming that is effectively and uniquely serving historically underserved communities and building longstanding equitable energy practices.
Victorine Q. Adams Award
Lowcountry Community Action Agency, South Carolina
Lowcountry Community Action Agency exemplifies grassroots leadership and innovation in action. Their work engaging communities and driving solutions for energy affordability reflects the spirit of this award—blending service, advocacy, and vision. Their model of community organizing and impact-driven programming is a powerful tribute to the legacy of Victorine Q. Adams.
About the award: The Victorine Q. Adams Award spotlights institutional innovation and achievement among non-profit NEUAC members. NEUAC presents the Victorine Q. Adams Award to a nonprofit organization that displays an innovative spirit towards raising public awareness and generating financial aid for people in need of energy assistance. Victorine Q. Adams was a woman of distinction; a public leader and testament to good will who founded one of the nation’s first fuel fund programs in Baltimore, Maryland. With grace and compassion, the late Mrs. Adams dedicated her life to bringing about energy justice and change for the betterment of her community. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group.
Extra Mile Award
Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia
Senator Shelley Moore Capito advocates for LIHEAP by consistently supporting and advancing federal funding for the program through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, helping secure millions of dollars in energy assistance for low-income households. She emphasizes LIHEAP as a critical lifeline that helps families afford heating and cooling, prevent utility shutoffs, and manage rising energy costs, and has worked to ensure West Virginia receives its share of funding to support vulnerable residents.
About the award:
The Extra Mile Award is presented during LIHEAP Action Day to a Member of Congress in appreciation for efforts to champion LIHEAP and make a difference for limited-income energy consumers.
