Governor Warner Calls for Plan for Winter Fuel Cost Increases

Governor Warner Calls for Plan for Winter Fuel Cost Increases

— Directs state agencies to submit report by Nov. 1, urges Congress to boost federal funds for heating assistance —

Governor Mark R. Warner today directed several state agencies to develop a plan to address the anticipated increases in winter heating costs for Virginia consumers and state agencies. The Governor also will ask executives of utility companies serving Virginia to do what they can to assist customers who may be unprepared for dramatic increases in fuel costs prompted by hurricane damage in the Gulf Coast region, which some experts predict could significantly increase winter energy costs.

Governor Warner directed the Virginia Departments of Social Services (DSS), Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME), and Planning and Budget (DPB) to prepare a plan by November 1st. DSS coordinates the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), DHCD is largely responsible for grants for home weatherization and other energy efficiency programs, and DMME tracks national and state supplies of energy sources.

"To put these projected cost increases in perspective, state regulators report that natural gas suppliers in Virginia already have requested rate increases up to 50% over the next three months for the gas supply part of their service. Heating oil prices also are expected to increase significantly," Governor Warner said. "Virginia homeowners and state government will be faced with these unanticipated cost increases on top of the gasoline price hikes we already face."

"I am particularly concerned about the impact of higher energy prices on low-income Virginians, who are least able to absorb the higher cost of heating their homes," Governor Warner said. "I have joined other governors across the nation in asking the federal government to step up to address this pressing need."

On September 28th, Governor Warner joined 27 other governors in signing a joint letter to the leadership of the U.S. Congress, urging additional funding for LIHEAP and other critical federal energy efficiency and home heating assistance programs. On September 29th, Governor Warner sent a similar written request to each member of Virginia's Congressional delegation. Last year, LIHEAP served more than 100,000 Virginia households and nearly 230,000 individuals with an average household fuel benefit of $220.

For those Virginians who are not eligible for winter heating assistance, Governor Warner emphasized the importance of planning ahead. "I urge Virginia homeowners to think now about their winter energy needs, and contact fuel providers now if they want to discuss any options they might have. This is the time of year to have your home furnace checked, and to prepare your home for the winter season."

For information on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, visit the LIHEAP pages on the DSS site or the DHCD site. Once good source for more information on how to winterize your home and conserve energy is the State Corporation Commission site.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Oct05/1011b.htm