Help with Winter Heating

"If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?" - Steven Wright

In New York there are signs that winter is approaching - frost on the ground in the morning and even a snow forecast! So with much regret we turned on the house heat and started burning oil. I say with regret because heating oil is VERY expensive this year - a delivery we got last week cost nearly $4/gallon.
Unlike most of America which uses gas or coal for heating, there are many in the North Eastern states that use oil. And not everyone will be able to afford the bill. If this is your situation then check out Consumerist.com on the topic of heat. A recent story, Ways To Get Help With Paying For Heat, recommends the following...

1. Low-Income Housing and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Direct funding for heating bills from October to March

2. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Funds "low-income" homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient

3. Check with your local electrical company for winter assistant plans.
For example: Con Edison provides assistance with bills through the winter months with Level Billing, energy grants for needy families, and payment plan options; 1 (800) 75-CONED.

4. Look for a Salvation Army, an American Red Cross, or a local advocacy center in your town or city.

BOTTOM LINE
Data collected in 2001 indicates that nearly 600 deaths a year are caused by extreme winter weather. Over half of these will be elderly, children or disabled adults in homes unable to afford adequate heating. In late 2008 gas/electricity shut-offs have been running 17 percent higher than last year among customers of New York state's major utilities, and 22 percent higher in economically hard-hit Michigan. Also up are Pennsylvania, Florida and California.

Under the laws of New York and many Eastern and Midwestern states, power CAN NOT be shut off for nonpayment during winter months.