Saratoga Springs, NY – Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand joined state and local officials to tour the home of the Portelli Family in Rensselaer County, to highlight Weatherization and Home Heating Assistance Programs available to local families this upcoming winter.  In addition to touring the home, the Congresswoman launched an on-line Home Heating Assistance clearinghouse on her Congressional website www.gillibrand.house.gov to help educate Upstate and North Country families about what assistance is available to them to deal with increase home heating costs this winter.

“In previous winters, as many as 66% of New Yorkers eligible for home heating assistance did not take advantage of the available programs, said Gillibrand. “With record high energy prices, I want to help change that.”

According to NYSERDA the August average cost of a gallon of home heating fuel oil is $4.55. One year ago that same gallon cost $2.62. According to the Department of Energy, the average home in our district spends around $2,200 dollars a year on energy costs.  This winter, estimates show that households will pay around $600 more for heating costs this winter. Gillibrand says, one way families can offset rising energy costs is to make cost-effective improvements to make their homes more energy efficient.  The average energy efficient home in our area can save more than $800 a year through cost-effective improvements like proper insulation, window sealing, and high-efficiency light-bulbs and appliances. 

The Portelli Family has received state and federal assistance to weatherize their home. The Portelli’s were able to take advantage of the Weatherization Assistance program through The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO), Rensselaer County’s provider agency.  Under the New York State Weatherization Assistance Program Plan the Portelli's were one of approximately 12,800 households across the State to receive federal energy conservation funding. With more than $58.7 million dollars allocated for Weatherization more families throughout the 20th CD will benefit from this funding.
 
It is expected that home heating costs will increase so much this winter that seniors and middle income families will struggle to pay their bills.  The Congresswoman, who recently returned from a week in the North Country, is particularly concerned with highlighting this issue and to highlight the available services that may be obtainable to upstate families. 

"As we close on our summer season, the biggest fear that I have heard from the folks I have met with, is how they will be able to pay for their heating oil when winter is again upon us," said Congresswoman Gillibrand.

During her tour of the Portelli home, Congresswoman Gillibrand also discussed a new bill she is sponsoring with North Country Republican Representative, John McHugh, to give a $500 tax credit to help families pay for the increased cost of home heating this winter.

The Congresswoman encourages local residents to check out her website at www.gillibrand.house.gov to learn if they’re available for this important assistance.

Background: Earlier this year, Rep. Gillibrand announced her support legislation that will provide a $500 tax credit for individuals and families who face significant home heating costs this winter.

The legislation, H.R. 6321, the Home Energy Assistance Tax Relief (HEATR) Act, co-sponsored by fellow Upstate Congressman John McHugh, provides a $500 tax credit for individuals and families who spend more than $1,500 in home heating costs this winter.  For those who spend less than $1,500, they would receive a credit equal to 1/3 of their home heating costs.

In July, Congresswoman Gillibrand sent along a letter to Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader Boehner, Appropriations Committee Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis, to ask them to include $3.1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in upcoming legislation, fully-funding this critical program. 

"Unfortunately, the price of oil does not seem to be subsiding fast enough, and many Upstate families will struggle to pay their heating bills this winter if Congress does not do something to help.  This is why I have asked that Congress fully-fund LIHEAP as soon as possible. 

The cost of home heating oil and the number of families eligible for LIHEAP funding has grown in the last year, but LIHEAP does not have enough funds for the remainder of 2008.  The President only has $120 million remaining in energy funds which is not sufficient to address the needs of many low-income families, disabled individuals, and senior citizens living on fixed incomes.

"Upstate families are already struggling with high gas prices and rising food costs, therefore, Congress can't wait until we're in the middle of a blizzard to ensure the LIHEAP account is fully funded," said Congresswoman Gillibrand.  "We need to work on lowering gas prices today, anticipate the heating oil needs of tomorrow and develop alternative energy technologies for the future."

In addition, Rep. Gillibrand also voted on a bill, H.R. 6022, to require the President to suspend purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to lower gas prices.  The President signed this bill into law on May 19, 2008.  Congress also passed the Energy and Tax Extenders Act, H.R. 6049, last month to encourage the production of alternative energy technologies such as biofuels, solar cells and electric cars.

The purpose of the Weatherization Assistance Program is to install energy conservation measures for income-eligible persons, especially homes occupied by the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children. The program is intended to reduce national energy consumption, particularly on imported oil and to reduce the impact of higher costs on low-income families.

For Tips and Services Available please visit the Congresswoman's Website at www.gillibrand.house.gov  or www.nyswda.org