Local News
(2006-10-10)
The federal government today predicted natural gas prices will be about 12 percent lower this winter.
But, state officials fear a lower price for natural gas will only slightly
help a program to assist low income people to pay their heating bills.
Last year, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, doled out 94 million dollars to help 149 thousand Michiganians pay their natural gas bills.
The federal government provides half the funding for the LIHEAP program in Michigan.
Department of Human Services spokeswoman Maureen Sorbet says LIHEAP officials expect Michigan's struggling economy will force more people to seek aid this winter. Sorbet says demand will be partly based on how severe this winter's weather will be.
Today, the National Weather Service predicted milder weather this winter.
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