Senate committee warns of a tough winter ahead for low-income people

July 1, 2008 02:32 PM Email| Comments (0)| Text size – +

By Globe Staff

A state Senate committee is warning that, with heating oil prices expected to skyrocket this fall, the state should increase funding for programs that help low-income people pay their heating bills.

The Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee said it is recommending that state leaders prepare to pump $50 million or more into funding for fuel assistance this winter. That would be more than three times the amount allocated last winter.

"It is likely that this will be a particularly difficult winter for low-income families due to rising fuel prices," the report said. "Given the enormous increase in the prices of heating oil and natural gas, it is clear that the past federal and state funding levels for fuel assistance will be inadequate this winter."

The recommendation was included in a report issued by the committee titled "Running On Empty" on how the state should address the rising costs of energy.

The report also recommended that the state reduce its own energy demand, pass legislation to limit carbon emissions, and promote alternative energy.

The National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, which represents state-run low income energy assistance programs, recently predicted that home heating oil costs will hit record levels this winter.

The group said the national average cost to heat a home with oil this winter will be $2,593, up from $1,962 last winter. Families in cold-weather Northeast states will be hit even harder.

One heating oil dealer in Northborough said she could see prices rising to $4.89 per gallon, about $2 per gallon more than last year, and predicted that a typical household delivery that cost $500 last winter will climb to at least $850 this winter.

"It's going to be staggering," said Northboro Oil Co. owner Sandra Farrell. "It's going to be a real problem going into this winter for everyone unless something changes."

Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.