Prepare to Pay More This Heating Season BUFFALO (wned) - Energy may be safe and dependable, but it's not cheap. Car and truck drivers
know that. Homeowners will have that fact reinforced later this fall, winter, and early spring.

The price of home heating oil and natural gas is up.

"Last year on average our customers paid about $1021 over the heating season...this year...we're looking at bills that could be $1237," said National Fuel spokeswoman Julie Coppola-Cox.

There is going to be a lot of budget-stretching for a lot of Western New Yorkers this year, but what about those who cannot afford to heat their homes this winter ?

Jim Panczykowski, Director of Energy Programs for Erie County's Department
of Social Services, tells WNED news there is "help" available. It's known as the
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

"The program doesn't officially begin until November 3, but we are taking requests for applications now," Panczykowski said.

Panczykowski says it is expected that as many as 135,000 County residents will apply for HEAP help this season, up about 15,000 from last year.

For more informatyion on the HEAP program call: 858-7870. The hotline operates Monday thru Friday from 8 a-m until 5 p-m.


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