Sullivan County officials bracing for a scary winter

Fuel prices expected to inflict pain

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY — Heating oil and propane cost about twice as much as last year, and county officials are concerned that low-income and fixed-income residents will go cold this winter, or they will be forced to choose between heat, food and gasoline.

David Fanslau, the Sullivan County manager, formed a task force to try to deal with the anticipated challenges that will arise. The members of the group include officials from the Department of Family Services and members of nonprofit groups United Way, the Sullivan County Community Commission to Help the Economy (CASHE) and the Red Cross. The task force also includes emergency responders. The first meeting was held on August 25.

One of the main programs to aid with the cost of heat is the Home Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP). The largest regular benefit that a resident could receive to help pay for heat last winter was $570. Benefits for this year have not been set yet, but county officials are concerned that, with people paying up to $4,000 to heat a home with oil for the season, the HEAP benefit will not go very far.

Still, it will bring some relief. Chris Cunningham, the commissioner of the Department of Health and Family Services, said his department is planning to set up satellite offices at various locations around the county to facilitate residents signing up for HEAP. They also have added more staff to deal with the process, which last winter became bogged down with backed-up applicants. The county will also be installing a dedicated phone line to take residents’ calls.

Residents who are new to HEAP can’t sign up until November 3, but starting on that date they will be able to begin the process by finding the forms online. In order to receive benefits, residents must have the fuel bill in their own name and meet strict income eligibility standards.

Kathi Hitt, a county Intervention and Outreach Coordinator, said that last year some people used space heaters and thought they could have HEAP funds to pay electric bills. But, she said, HEAP won’t pay for electricity unless the electric company has listed electricity as the primary source of heat.

Jack Halchak, the director of the Sullivan County Fire Bureau, said there is always a spike in house fires when the weather gets cold because people use space heaters or other alternative heat sources improperly. For instance, people may leave an oven door open, or heat with old equipment that has not been properly maintained.

The bureau will be sponsoring an educational campaign during Fire Prevention Week in October.

Go to www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/ for more information on the HEAP program. The program parameters for this year have not yet been set, and residents can’t apply until November 3, but information from last year’s program is available.