Fuel increase could cause crisis for families

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 22, 2004

The news to anyone heating a home isn’t good: Local oil and natural gas retailers warn that the cost to heat a home this winter could skyrocket. But the cost to low-income families could be overwhelming.

Just how bad could it get?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it could cost $300 or more than last year for someone using oil to heat their home. Estimates are that natural gas users could face between a 10 and 30 percent increase in costs this winter.

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So what’s a person facing high heating costs to do? Some low-income families may qualify for state programs that will help pay for the weatherization of a house or provide energy assistance to help pay home heating costs.

Low-income families who haven’t already sought out these programs should.

Low-income families also should be aware of the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule, which has taken effect. That rule prevents utility companies from turning off the heat during the winter to families who are income-qualified and can’t pay their heating bill. But consumers must contact their utility company to apply for the protection.

Those are the best options a low-income family has. Unfortunately, however, there are going to be some families who don’t qualify, but for whom the added heating costs are just as big of a burden.

Considering how dramatically this year’s heating costs have risen, state officials should consider increasing the number of families who qualify for energy assistance using an expandable guideline.

This year would be a good example of how fast a spike in energy costs can cause a crisis, so an expandable energy assistance program that accounts for extreme years could help many Minnesotans. Such a program could provide an important safety net that’s not in place now.

&045; Faribault Daily News