The hard, cold facts:

• Heating/fuel expenditures per household are expected to increase due to both higher fuel prices and colder temperatures with an average 14-17% increase over last year. That’s an average increase of $106 to $253 (depending on fuel type and use patterns) per household.
• Due to the lagging economy, loss of jobs, federal and state budget cuts, many people in our communities are struggling to afford basic necessities and will be forced to make the choice between putting food on the table or heating their homes.