Heating Forum Offers Assistance, Solutions
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"We understand this winter is going to be very difficult," said Margaret DiMouro, of Berkshire Gas Co. at Wednesday night's heating assistance forum. "Don't wait until you fall behind — call us."
Indeed, that refrain — "call us" — was repeated throughout the evening as a dozen or so agency, government and utility representatives outlined ways that people of all income levels could reduce or at least survive the costs of the coming winter.
The forum, held at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' Church Street Center, was spearheaded by state Rep. Daniel E. Bosley as a way to raise awareness of the many options for people struggling to pay rising fuel costs. While disappointed with the turnout — only 75 or 80 people showed up for the three-hour event — the North Adams Democrat thought the message was getting out.
"I had hoped for more people," he said afterwards. "But everybody that came up to me said it was absolutely wonderful."
It may take awhile for people to pay more attention, "when it's on their plate," he said. "Right now is when you need to be thinking about this."
The Northeast has been particularly hard hit by skyrocketing heating oil costs: the region uses 75 percent of all heating oil produced. It's hard to get the rest of the country to understand the Northeast's position, said Bosley.
"I'll tell you right up front that there's no magic bullet, there's no easy fix to oil prices," he said.
"We all know this crisis is not just about heating oil but that all prices are going up," said state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield. "It's absolutely unacceptable to say we can't find a solution.
 The Center for Ecological Technology demonstrates energy-efficient light bulbs. |
The numbers, from the federal Energy Information Agency, don't take into account the shutdowns of refineries in the Gulf because of Hurricane Gustav, which has shutoff some $3 million barrels a day.
"I caution you, these numbers are going to change," said Harvey.
The oil reserve, established in 2000, would only be opened if there was a severe disruption in delivery to the Northeast and only by the order of the president.
Funding for LIHEAP, or Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, hasn't increased in response to prices despite efforts by the Massachusetts delegation.
"That pot has not increased over the last few years," said Bosley. "We end up with more people looking for the same pot of money."
Berkshire Community Action Council, which disperses LIHEAP funding, has seen applications for the program more than double in less than 10 years. The agency received some 7,000 applications last year.
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There are a broad range of programs covering everything from energy conservation tips to heating fuel assistance. Here's how to find them.
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Get Warm
 If you need assistance in any form, the best place to start is Berkshire Community Action Council in Pittsfield at 413-445-4503 or in Northern Berkshire at 413-663-3014 and Great Barrington at 413-528-1947. |
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Stay Warm
Local utilities will work with you to create budget plans. Don't wait until you're behind. National Grid 800-322-3223 Berkshire Gas 800-592-2000 WMECO 800-286-2000 |
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Take Action
Think you're being cheated? Call the attorney general's consumer service coordinator in Springfield at 413-784-1240, Ext. 136 |
 New Alternatives |
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More Options
Assistance and/or information is available at: Department of Housing and Community Development
800-632-8175
(Joe4Oil)
877-563-4645 |
Marie Harpin, head of BCAC North, has been raising money for an emergency assistance account. Some $3,000 has been donated locally but, as Harpin pointed out, that's only fills about three oil tanks at today's prices. "We need to raise a lot of money. It's needed. It's very, very needed."
Rising fuel costs are a health issue as well, and not just from people being forced to choose between staying fed and staying warm. Atwater said an elderly Dalton woman had died last winter from lack of heat and he and Harpin urged relatives and neighbors to check on seniors.
While the emergency or LIHEAP funds are few, there are a multitude of programs for various levels of income and types of heat.
In addition to Berkshire Gas, Western Mass. Electric and National Grid also offer budget plans and can point customers to assistance programs. Berkshire Gas, said DiMouro, offers a "debt forgiveness" of up to $3,000 for those behind in payments. The debt is split up over 12 months and charged as a credit on each monthly bill; pay your bill, and the debt disappears after a year.
Joanne Derose of National Grid said customers concerned about making payments should call the utilities customer service line immediately — "We'll work with anyone."
Other programs include MassSave, which partners with the three utilities to offer rebate programs for insulating homes, and replacing energy-inefficient heaters, air conditioners and appliances. Consumers can save 75 percent of the costs, up to $2,000, on insulation and replacement. "Heat loans," with zero percent financing, may also be available.
The Center for Ecological Technology provides the energy audits and final inspections for the program as well information. It currently has an eight- to 10-week waiting list for audits so call now if you're interested.
The CET also offers a heating oil co-operative for B5 fuel (a mix of 95 percent heating oil/5 percent soybean oil) that can be used in conventional oil burners. The fuel is currently selling for below $4 but the price changes each Monday according to market fluctuations.
Richard Steward, a senior investigator with the attorney general's office in Springfield, said his office investigats fraud related to suppliers, such as shorting consumers on oil and cordwood deliveries, and in selling "snake oil" heating solutions.
 Donald Atwater and Marie Harpin discuss the fuel aid provided through Berkshire County Action Council. |
A representative for heating oil dealers in the region had been invited but was unable to attend, said Bosley. Local dealers are also at the mercy of fluctuating prices, he said, "they're up against it, too."
Bosley planned to repeat the forum, probably in the Franklin County side of his district where he represents Charlemont, Hawley, Heath, Monroe and Rowe.
Those attending availed themselves of information provided at several booths and sat quietly through each presentation, applauding for each speaker. There were few questions.
But one Williamstown resident wasn't particularly impressed, saying he'd heard it all before. There was one answer to the energy crisis he said: "Just drill."
