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Schumer calls on Bush to release energy assistance funds

Posted November 01, 2007 11:00 pm

Eric Monnat

When the mercury begins to dip and people start cranking up their thermostats it's time for the federal government to step in and help people meet the rising cost of energy, according Sen. Charles Schumer.

In a conference call on Wednesday, Schumer released a report on that showed home-heating prices could raise between 7 and 20 percent over last year's prices, which would leave people in the state paying an average of $300 more for oil and $200 more for gas to heat their homes.

"Unless we take immediate action, families across New York state will be paying an arm and a leg to heat their homes this winter," said Schumer.

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Schumer called on the president to release funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program contingency fund, which would result in over $150 million going toward helping families deal with rising energy costs this winter.

"To protect New York residents from soaring heating bills, I'm calling on the president to immediately release LIHEAP funds so any residents suffering a serious financial crunch can receive emergency funding to pay their bills."

According to data released by Schumer's office, crude oil prices could hit $100 a barrel this winter, after a spike to $93 earlier this week, which means the average American household will once again face increasing home heating bills this winter.

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According to Schumer, the expected price increase per household for the winter heating season is $111 for utility gas, $328 for fuel oil and $95 for electricity.

With the average prices rising 7 to 20 percent, the average household is projected to spend $1,800, $1,400 and $1,200 for oil, electricity and gas, respectively.

Data released by Schumer showed people in Herkimer County can expect to see a collective $4.497 million increase in heating costs.

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Schumer said middle- and high-income families will have to choose this winter whether to put on a sweater and put an extra $100 in a college fund or deal with increased costs, but the poor and elderly don't have that option.

"The problem is the poor and elderly. The increased costs could possibly take away their food for the next month," said Schumer.

He said even though over $150 million would be released now, there would still be supplemental funds available from LIHEAP in January and February.

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"No family across New York state should be forced to choose between paying an energy bill and putting food on the table for themselves and their children. And no senior citizen should have to decide between buying life-saving prescriptions and paying utility bills," added Schumer.

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