High heating costs are reason for concern
Cindy DiFazio - Staff Writer

Concern over the costs of home heating this winter is running as high as the cost of a gallon of propane.

That per gallon price locally, according to Laughery Valley Ag Co-Op, as of October 19, was $2.54 (for a 100-gallon tank fill) or $2.19 if you are filling a 330-gallon tank). Eric Cole, LP Manager at Laughery Valley Ag Co-Op in Versailles, said that the cost of propane in this area is up 35% from last year. He stated, "I am very concerned for our seniors."

Cole added that this year LVAC has seen its largest budget billing sign-up ever. Although it is too late to sign up for budget billing this year, it's something to keep in mind for the future.

In the Indianapolis area, two major providers, Citizens Gas and Vectren Corporation, are projecting an increase of between 27-33% this winter.

Meanwhile, in Washington, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh has co-sponsored an amendment that would provide $3.1 billion to help families across the country struggling with soaring energy costs. The amendment to the Department of Defense appropriations bill would provide funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help offset the rapidly increasing cost of oil and natural gas. If passed, the legislation would bring LIHEAP funding to the level recommended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. While that Act authorized $5.1 billion for the LIHEAP, President Bush's budget only provides $2 billion. The $3.1 billion amendment would restore the program to its full funding so that states can ensure that low-income families and seniors facing rising energy bills are able to heat their homes this winter.

In Southeastern Indiana, the agency that administers LIHEAP is the Southeastern Indiana Economic Opportunity Center at 110 Importing Street in Aurora. The SIEOC offers programs that address the problems that low-income individuals and families face during cold weather months. These services are designed to reduce energy consumption and utility costs.

The Weatherization program offers services that may include (but are not limited to):

· Furnace/water heater health and safety evaluation, repair and/or replacement.

· Insulation of the attic, sidewalls or other uninsulated areas.

· Measured and cost effective air sealing of the structure.

Another program offered by SIEOC, beginning in November, is emergency heat assistance. Applicants must meet income guidelines which have been adjusted this year to allow more people to be served.

For example, in 2004, monthly income for a family of four could not exceed $2,016 (or $24,188 annually).

In 2005, a family of four is allowed $2,419 a month (or $29,025 annually). If a client's income exceeds guidelines, out-of-pocket paid medical expenses or major home repairs made during the last 12 months may be deducted. Clients will need to provide canceled checks or vendor receipts as verification.

Applications are now being accepted. Call 812-926-1585 or toll-free 1-888-292-5475 to make an appointment.

Clients will need to bring in:

- Birth certificates and social security cards for all household members.

- Most recent utility bills - both heat and electric.

- Verification of past 12 months income for all household members 18 or over - if members have had no income they will need to come in to complete zero income form.

- If utilities are included in rent or in someone's name that is not in the household, a copy of a lease or housing affidavit completed by the landlord is needed.

Elderly and disabled people and families with children under the age of six can start receiving heat assistance beginning on November 3. The program is open to everyone beginning November 17.

Township trustees also may be able to assist in an emergency.

There are a number of things people can do to save on utility use and lower monthly bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can cut your heating and cooling needs by up to 30% by spending a few hundred dollars on sealing air leaks and properly insulating your home.

Their recommendation is to hold a lit incense stick next to your house's fireplace(s), all ducts, doors, window frames, electrical outlets, plumbing and utility access, and dryer. If the smoke stream moves horizontally, you have found an air leak. Then:

· Caulk and weatherstrip leaking doors and windows.

· Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring penetrates through exterior walls, floors, ceilings and soffits over cabinets.

· Install rubber gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls.

· Look for dirty spots in insulation, which can indicate holes. You can seal holes by stapling sheets of plastic over them and caulking the edges of the plastic.

· When the fireplace is not in use, close the flue damper.

One bright spot regarding the upcoming cold season is that temperatures are not expected to dip as low as they have in recent winters. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, we can expect a fairly mild winter.