Winter Heating Bills-Can it be declared as a natural disaster?

[McDISer]

I don't want to start a war, but after reading the thread about being prepared for a Hurricane-(in which a lot of people were), and then they lost everything, it got me to thinking about winter weather.

I live in the mid-west and we don't have a tax-free week to buy generator's, wraps for our pipes, salt, sand, winter tires, plastic for our windows, it is just something you do for the upcoming winter weather.

The media, our gas company, newspapers are all telling us how our heating bills are going to rise 70% from last year. This is going to be a direct result of the weather. So, should I expect the government to step in and help me. We tried once to receive heating assistance when my husband was laid off, but we didn't qualify, because our daughter was living in the dorms so they couldn't accept her as living with me from December to Feb.

Some people will say it is our choice to live in a cold climate, such as it is people's choice to live in a hurricane zone.

I guess I am trying to say, I have never seen the government step in and give us food, water, blankets a place to stay when we loose power from ice storms, blizzards. And, (if you don't qualify with heating assistance), money to help heat our homes.

I guess I am being petty and the 2 really don't equal each other, but it just made me think, how weather will be effecting us.

 

[chrissyk]

I don't know about the midwest, but I believe that the government definitely has become involved in New England when there was tremendous power loss due to bad ice storms.

You do make a good point about the colder areas not having tax-free weeks to buy generators. We bought our generator when we lived in New England, as we could not afford to lose power to our sump pump in the winter. Frankly, though, even with a tax-free week on generators, my friends who still live in New England are so broke from just paying the mortgage and the heating bills that most of them couldn't afford to buy a generator anyways.

I'm not sure about heating assistance, though. I don't think that the people of the hurricaine-prone states are receiving assistance with their electric bills. It's more a matter of receiving blue tarps for their roofs, bottled water, etc. I think that a LOT of people in the cold weather states are going to need heating assistance this year, and I'm not sure if most of them will actually receive it

 

[hdecker]

I have to agree with the OP. While our temps are not nearly frigid as those to the extreme north, we have had severe damage done by ice storms, no power for a week, etc. We expect our winter heating bills to be at about 500.00 a month if the predictions are correct. We can't afford this and there is no help out there at all. Energy assistance in our area if you qualify (which we don't) is only 275.00 one time payment. That covers about 2-3 weeks, what are you supposed to do the rest of the winter. So far, the weather channel is predicting warmer than normal temps - hope that means about 60 but doubt it. By the way, can someone tell me why when we got hit by a tornado a few years back that our insurance wouldn't pay for the tree on our roof because it was an act of God. Isn't a hurricane an act of God?

 

[Tink522]

First just an FYI, this is the 1st year Florida has had a tax free week on hurricane supplies.

If this winter your state suffers extreme ice storms in 4 different areas in less than a 3 month period which leave you without power for up to 6 weeks then you'll probaly also be considered a natural disaster area and get federal assistance. If this situation would to occur next year you'll probably also have a tax free week.

 

[Marseeya]

It's even worse in PA. I don't know if it's like this in every state, but the PUC has changed the law regarding shut offs -- they can now shut you off for non-payment in the dead of winter if you're above certain poverty levels. What's worse is there seems to be a gap between being able to get assistance and the shut off point. I seriously think that's a crime.

My poor parents really got nailed by the gas company. Their bill rose 80% because of the price hike, because the gas company didn't bill them properly LAST year, and because they're predicting a colder than average winter. They have too much income from SS to be eligible for assistance, but not enough income to be able to handle this crunch.

 

[hdecker]

First just an FYI, this is the 1st year Florida has had a tax free week on hurricane supplies.

If this winter your state suffers extreme ice storms in 4 different areas in less than a 3 month period which leave you without power for up to 6 weeks then you'll probaly also be considered a natural disaster area and get federal assistance. If this situation would to occur next year you'll probably also have a tax free week.

I don't think the tax free week is the point here. A couple of years ago we got pummeled by tornado after tornado. Whole cities completely destroyed - much like a hurricane- but with one major difference. We don't get the 3-4 days warning time. We are lucky if we get enough warning to take cover, best cast scenario is 30 minutes, but usually not that much time. I do not remember any special consideration made to those with total destruction, no tax breaks etc.

I think the point of the OP is - how are those in cold weather climates supposed to make it thru the winter without any help?

 

[ducklite]

When an area is declared a natural disaster area, the private citizens get little no no government assistance. The government funds go for cleanup and rebuilding public facilities--same thing as when a freak ice storm hits New England in October, or a tornado hits OK. While FEMA will bring in some humanitarian relief, it's no different than NYC opening cooling centers during a heat wave, or Philly picking up homeless and taking them to shelters during a cold snap, it's just done on a larger scale due to the more numerous numbers of people affected.

My brother heats with oil. He signed a home heating oil contract about three months ago to cap the cost.

NYSEG, PSEG, NIMO, LIPA, etc. all offer equal payment plans to help offset heating costs across the year and manage a budget.

In some cases, there are one time grants available for those who don't meet HEAP guidelines but are in danger of a shutoff, call your local provider for details.

Anne

 

[McDISer]

First just an FYI, this is the 1st year Florida has had a tax free week on hurricane supplies.

If this winter your state suffers extreme ice storms in 4 different areas in less than a 3 month period which leave you without power for up to 6 weeks then you'll probaly also be considered a natural disaster area and get federal assistance. If this situation would to occur next year you'll probably also have a tax free week.

I'm glad you commented and in no way and I trivilizing what Florida, MS, Alabama, Louisiana has gone through. I am scared to death thinking I am going to have $650 heating bills each month till May, yes it stays cold till May were I live. We kept our furnance down to 60 last year and sat under quilts and blankets and usually went to bed by 8:30, so we didn't have to heat the downstairs. This starts by mid Nov. and like I said, it can last till May. On top of the cold, we get ice storms, snow storms and it is my high property taxes that pay for the snowplows to come out and keep our streets clean. I

Sorry for rambling and thank you again for responding.

 

[palmtreegirl]

NYSEG, PSEG, NIMO, LIPA, etc. all offer equal payment plans to help offset heating costs across the year and manage a budget.

PPL in PA offers that too. We used that option when we lived in the Poconos and our bill was around 120.00 a month with the budget plan.

 

[always quiet]

Back in Aug., we signed up with a heating oil company. Locked our prices in at $2.19/gal. and took advantage of the budget plan. We pay $119 a month for the 600 gls. of oil and the service contract. I cringed at the time when the prices were over $2.00 per gal. When I called them the other day to make my monthly payment, I asked when their current street price was. I almost dropped the phone when she told me it was now $2.99!! I hate to see what my friend is going to pay this year for gas heat...she has a big old drafty house.

 

[jbdreamer]

The problem is it isn't the winter weather that is causing the prices to rise, it's the price of oil. So it can't be considered a natural disaster. Besides, we are suppose to have a warmer winter this year.

 

[mookie]

NYSEG, PSEG, NIMO, LIPA, etc. all offer equal payment plans to help offset heating costs across the year and manage a budget.

I'm not very familiar with these east coast companies, as I have NICOR living in Illinois. I do know that we, too have these "budget plans." The interesting thing with these is that we are still at the mercy of the gas companies. My so called "budget plan" TRIPLED without notice last month. When I called to ask about this, my gas company told me it was "in anticipation of rising gas costs." Anticipation? If I "anticipate" a lack of cash flow to support this, can I slide on my bill then? Definitely not. My "budget plan" changes so often that I can hardly call it a "budget" at all. Especially when my "budget" is anticipated to be over 300.00 a month, just to keep myself warm in the winter time. Who knows what it will go up to the next time they decide to "re-evaluate the plan?"

 

[ducklite]

Here's a few other tips...

Most of the power/gas/oil companies will come out and do a free analysis for you. They will point out places that you are losing heat/wating energy, and in some cases even give you the materials needed to quickly remedy some of them.

Some of the inexpensive things you can do yourself are to install foam insulators behind your outlets and light switches that are on exterior walls, wrap all hot water pipes, and add an extra layer of fiberglass insulation in your attic.

Anne

 

[mickeyfan2]

The other day our local news said oil would be up 30% and natural gas 71% over TWO years ago. At one time they were saying oil would be up 50% and gas would double over last year. Last year they were up, so the increase many not be as great as feared. Also the center of the US is projected to be warmer to much warmer than normal, with the coasts being about normal. This should put a little less pressure on the oil and gas consumption.

 

[jonestavern]

I don't think the tax free week is the point here. A couple of years ago we got pummeled by tornado after tornado. Whole cities completely destroyed - much like a hurricane- but with one major difference. We don't get the 3-4 days warning time. We are lucky if we get enough warning to take cover, best cast scenario is 30 minutes, but usually not that much time. I do not remember any special consideration made to those with total destruction, no tax breaks etc.
I think the point of the OP is - how are those in cold weather climates supposed to make it thru the winter without any help?

If there were a cohesive, complete energy strategy/policy most of the predictable weather problems would be more than on the way to being taken care of leaving us funds to help those who are at the mercy of tornadoes, fires etc.
Most everyone, except for the most wealthy, should receive tax credits, tax abatements for tornado shelters, insulation, weather stripping etc.
Federal, state, town/county would be wise to let go of some tax money up front, & save a lot when disaster strikes.

there are many things we could all do, that our governments could do, but seldom do the majority of us give it a thought until the squeeze is on. does anyone remember the '70's? do any of us think we are exempt from Mother Nature?
If we made or gave credit for energy upgrades of all sorts we'd have more revenue to pass around for those caught in crisis.
If we built wisely in the 1st place, we'd save so much on heating & airconditioning costs. but we've got to be active, keep remembering & being, no matter how small, busy bees urging our state, local & federal people to show some responsibility, step up to the plate, & make energy savings, R&D, a mandate.
Make helping folks planning for nature & in crisis, a realistic & a holistic & thorough approach.
I pay taxes & I fully expect to have them aid my fellow Americans in their time of need, no begging, no insurance company rip offs, no governments shuffling around responsibility. We CAN do it! We need continutity of purpose, let's not forget our will even if gas/oil goes down to $1.00 a gallon!
I would also like to see those insurance companies--the old Act of God runaround--proseceuted & I mean as individuals & let's see some time served, not the slap on the wrist approach. the same goes for all other vultures gouging or defrauding others (or the government)--

Jean

 

[6_Time_Momma]

We've pretty much closed off our upstairs and are keeping the heat set at only 50 up there. The kids are camping on mattresses in our room as we have an electric in the wall heater in there. We just sealed off all our windows. I've got to go through and put insulators in the outlets and strips under all the doors yet.

We had a gas bill of $250 a month last year, so I expect to have $600/month ones this year if we don't do this stuff.

 

[ducklite]

If we made or gave credit for energy upgrades of all sorts we'd have more revenue to pass around for those caught in crisis.
If we built wisely in the 1st place, we'd save so much on heating & airconditioning costs. but we've got to be active, keep remembering & being, no matter how small, busy bees urging our state, local & federal people to show some responsibility, step up to the plate, & make energy savings, R&D, a mandate.

Jean [/I]

We are getting a tax credit for buying a Toyota Prius. Because they cost more over a similar car than what the average person will save in fuel, that tax credit is an incentive. Our motivation was more to use an environmentally friendly car, even if it was a bit more money, but I'm not refusing that tax credit.

We put a radiant barrier in our roof/attic when we built it. It cost us several thousand extra, but our feeling is that it will pay for itself with lower cooling bills in a matter of two to three years. No tax credit for that one though

Anne

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I just wanted to clarify that generators WERE NOT included in the tax free items.


As some others have so elequently stated on other threads today:
1) if you can't afford the household costs of your home, then may be you can't afford your home.
2) If you know winter is coming and there could be some problems, you better prepare yourself and not expect the government to bail you out. You have had fair warning.


Really I feel for those who are going to have to deal with these heating costs this year.

 

[Viking]

If we built wisely in the 1st place, we'd save so much on heating & airconditioning costs.

Jean [/I]

Over here -in Germany- energy costs have been high for years, additionally our gouvernment gave us taxbreaks for insulating our houses and also came up with stricter building codes in regard to energy efficiency. The result: We pay an equal budget plan of €60 ($70) a month heat and hot water for an appartement with a squarefootage of about 970. And this appartment is located on the topfloor under the roof and has three exterior walls.
How: All the walls are stone and additionally insulated with 3-4 inches of foam. All the windows are double pane glass with a gas-filling preventing. All this keeps the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Ooops, nearly forgot to mention: We usually get an annual refund of two months' payments from our supplier.
We keep the temperature at 66-68° during the winter. We don't use a/c in the summer so far, but are thinking about getting unit for next year as the summers are getting hotter over here. With clever use of the windows and some fans we usually manage to stay about 10°F below outside temp, but this year this often wasn't enough.

 

[Chicago526]

Is there anyway to figure out what your bill will be BEFORE you get it? This is our first year in our first single family home. The nice lady at the gas company told me when I set up my service what the highest bill for winter was ($200) and what the 12 month average was ($110 or something). But I have no idea what the previous owners had their thermostat set at. For all I know they had it set at 75 degrees 24/7 or 65 degrees for only a few hours a day, then droped it to 60 the rest of the time. Or it could be they set it for about what we have it at. My last gas bill was $36 for the month of September, so I have a feeling I'm using my heat less, but September was a warm month this year and we didn't have the heat turned on yet. I won't get my October bill for another 3 weeks and even then we hardly used our furnace. That means I won't ge my first real "winter' bill until December, just in time for Christmas shopping. I hope it's not too shocking!