Temperatures are getting colder and homeowners around Upstate New York could spend more than 30% more to heat their homes this winter than they did last year.
“It’s my job to turn up the heat on the federal government,” U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said during a press conference in Colonie on Monday. “We’ve all seen the pictures of the boats waiting in the harbor. The supply chains are bad. It’s affecting every industry.”
Advocates for families and seniors living on fixed incomes say these costs are unsustainable.
What You Need To Know
- Homeowners around the Capital Region could spend more than 30% more to heat their homes this winter
- Through the HEAP, about $20 million was distributed to more than 55,000 households around the Capital Region last year
- 68,000 seniors live in Albany County; approximately 22% use the HEAP program
“It is disconcerting to know that some seniors will make a choice between paying for their heat or paying for their prescriptions,” Albany County Department of Aging Commissioner Deb Riitano said. “Either choice will lead to increasing illness among our senior neighbors.”
Through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), about $20 million was distributed to more than 55,000 households around the Capital Region last year. Those numbers are expected to climb this winter.
“Sixty-eight thousand seniors live in Albany County. Approximately 22% use the HEAP program,” said Riitano. “We estimate another 10% might be eligible, but don’t apply.”
Schumer announced Monday what he called a two-pronged approach in Washington to bolster HEAP.
“In past years, they didn’t release it quickly enough,” he said. “People needed the help and they didn’t get it. Second, I’m announcing a $100 million increase in the upcoming budget because the prices are higher.”
Schumer believes he’s got the support he needs in Washington.
“This has always been bipartisan, in fact, it’s been geographic,” he said. “The northern states want it, the southern states don’t. We usually win.”
