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| Submitted by the office of State Sen. Stephen J. Buoniconti It is of no surprise to anyone that fuel prices this winter are at an all time high, and that many will have problems paying their utility bills during these cold months. What many people do not realize is that there is help available for those who cannot afford these high utility bills, and it is available from more than one source. Federal Energy Assistance Recently, the Legislature passed a measure that softens the burden of high heating costs, and provides incentives to consumers and businesses to use energy efficiently. The bill appropriated $20 million in fuel assistance for low-income Massachusetts residents who are eligible for the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and also provides assistance, even to those who do not qualify for home heating assistance, through tax credits for those who install energy efficient appliances in their homes. N. E. Farmworkers Council In Springfield, the New England Farmworkers Council administers the Home Heating Assistance Program, and those who qualify can seek assistance. A household of one person will qualify if their gross income is below $19,000. A household of two will qualify with a gross income of under $25,000, and a household of four will qualify with a gross income of under $38,000. The Council does not count assets or home ownership. If an applicant should happen to have a small amount of savings in the bank, they will not be held accountable for that either. The agency served more than 8,500 households in Springfield alone last year. The Farmworkers also run a weatherization program to help residents conserve energy, as well as a burner repair program. They can be reached at (413) 272-2209. Valley Opportunity Council The Valley Opportunity Council will provide similar benefits to those outside the city. Those in need of assistance can call (413) 552-1548. Other sources of help with heating costs are Citizens Energy which can be reached at 1-877-JOE-4OIL, The Salvation Army who can be reached at (413) 733-2149, the Greater Springfield Council of Churches who can be reached at (413) 733-2149, and Catholic Charities who can be reached at (413) 452-0613. You can find help For those struggling to pay their utility bills, there is help available. Contact one of the above agencies, and please do not hesitate to contact Sen Buoniconti's office at (413) 733-9991. |