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With temperatures hovering near 90 degrees, heating bills are not on most people’s minds right now. But officials recently announced that a 30-70 percent increase in heating costs is predicted in Wyoming this winter. They blame the increase on skyrocketing natural gas prices — there is less to import since Canada, the Middle East and Asia are keeping much of what they produce. Energy companies are using more natural gas, and the price of natural gas is tied to oil prices. They point out the cost already has risen, but it’s not very apparent to consumers during the summer months when little fuel is used. The news is alarming, to say the least. At a time when people struggle to cope with escalating food costs and $4.30-per-gallon gasoline, many families wonder how they’ll pay to heat their homes this winter. A warm house in the winter is a necessity to most, just like food. That a parent may have to choose between food and a comfortably-warm place to live is unacceptable. But the stark truth is, that’s a reality for too many households. A recent nationwide survey by the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association found that, when faced with rising gas and energy costs, “70 percent of low-income households reduced purchases of food, about 30 percent cut back on medicine... and low-to middle-income households are more likely to make compromises with their energy use, such as turning down the heat to a temperature they felt was unsafe or unhealthy.” State energy experts say that, while prices do fluctuate, they don’t expect them to go down, so people should prepare early for cold weather. Winterizing homes, especially older ones, will provide some reduction in energy use come winter. Adding insulation and caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows are simple steps. Weatherization assistance is available for low-income families, the disabled and the elderly — and states are lobbying Congress to allocate an additional $1 billion this year for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Until other relief is identified, do what you can now to soften the impact later.
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