I don't know how my parents can keep the house heated this winter...

[bicentennial_baby]

Today, October 6th, 150 gallons of oil...$570. That's $3.80 a gallon. A full tank would be $950. They live in Western MA, and easily go through a full tank in a month in a good winter. This one is supposed to be worse than normal.

They have too much income to qualify for assistance...Big mortgage, both disabled and huge bills. It's a clusterfuck.

I don't know what to do. x(

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

1. They should check into the low cost Venezuelan oil that is being offered to Americans

by Venezuela. I can't think of the name of the program but it should be found easily by googling.

[HillbillyBob]

11. http://www.citgo.com HeatingOil.jsp

http://www.citgo.com/CommunityInvolvement/HeatingOil.jsp


CITGO's Low Cost Heating Oil Program

CITGO Petroleum Corporation made its first delivery of heating oil of the 2007-2008 winter season in Boston on Dec. 10.

The CITGO-Venezuela Heating Oil Program will provide an estimated 112 million gallons of fuel this winter to be distributed in more than 224,000 households and 250 social service providers in 23 states. These totals include the CITGO-Venezuela Tribal Heating Oil Program.

"I am proud of the fact that CITGO is a very socially responsible company," said CITGO Chairman, President and CEO Alejandro Granado.

The program, being implemented in partnership with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Citizens Energy Corporation, was created in 2005 to offset a perfect storm of catastrophic events within some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the United States. Decreased supplies, resulting from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, led to steep increases in fuel costs while cuts in the federal Heating Oil Assistance Program placed unbearable burdens on family budgets already stretched thin.
Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact to determine if I am eligible?
The CITGO-Venezuela Heating Oil Program uses eligibility criteria similar to that of the federal government's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For information on eligibility, please contact Citizens Energy Corporation, a non-profit organization with whom CITGO is partnering for implementation of the program.

For more information call:
For more information call:
1-877-JOE-4-OIL (1-877-563-4645)
Or visit:
www.citizensenergy.com

What is the Heating Oil Program?
For the third year in a row, CITGO Petroleum Corporation and Citizens Energy are working with thousands of heating oil dealers in 23 states to deliver millions of gallons of heating oil to families and individuals in need. The help is provided to those who receive fuel assistance from the federal government and others in need. In addition, the program also provides heating oil assistance to homeless shelters, a number of large, multi-unit buildings in New York City, and hundreds of Native American tribes.

Why is the Heating Oil Program needed?
Heating oil prices have recently exceeded $3.00 a gallon, which in some colder weather states, is three times what the cost was in 2000. During these times of record energy prices, many low-income and middle class families already living on a tight budget have difficulty keeping pace with their heating costs when temperatures drop.

When energy prices rise beyond their budgets, families sometimes have little choice but to cut back on food, medicine, and other life essentials. And bad choices lead to bad outcomes. When the heating bills of poor families rise, studies show that they often reduce their spending on food by about the same amount. It is no surprise that cases of undernourished children increase by about one-third during winter months.

How much has the price of home heating oil increased?
The average retail heating oil price has increased from $1.18 a gallon in 2000 to $3.21 a gallon in November 2007. That is a 172% increase -- almost triple the cost. In one-year alone, average retail heating oil prices have increased 35% from $2.37 a gallon to $3.21 a gallon.

With prices at these record highs, it would cost over $800 to fill the average 250-gallon tank. In the dead of winter, this would only last an average household about 2-3 weeks. It could cost families thousands of dollars to stay warm -- money that will be diverted from food, medicine, and other essential purchases.

Where does the savings go?
At today's average retail heating oil prices, eligible families can save about $320 dollars on their heating costs if they receive assistance through this program. These savings could buy:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

14. lol! I just posted the site below. Joe Kennedy is working for the program. I recall him

doing adverts on tv last winter.

[babylonsister]

2. Couldn't they have locked in at a certain price?

We can buy 'lots' here where it will be a certain price for a specified period of time. Does that make sense?
How much is your gas 'up there'? Last time I looked, ours went down to $3.17/gal. It's a sad day when this seems reasonable, but it does.
Why is it so expensive up there for heating oil? I don't get it. And I'm sorry to read this. :(

[bicentennial_baby]

8. We couldn't afford the lump sum lock in deal at the time...

My Mom has ALS, my Dad has MS. They live off my Dad's VA disability $ and his SS. But it's still too much to qualify for assistance. They're nowhere near the ridiculously low "poverty level".

Gas is anywhere from $3.29-$3.70-something in MA, I think. Oil is still wicked high.

Supply and Demand. Esp in a rural area, like where my parents live. High demand, low supply...high price.

Sigh.

[babylonsister]

26. Oh, b_baby,

that really sucks. I guess moving isn't an option considering the market, or is it in any way?

I'm so sorry about your folks being ill; you must worry so much. I hope you have siblings to help you who are nearby. :hug: Did you grow up in that homestead? Those places in MA are awesome, but huge.

[bicentennial_baby]

33. My little brother lives with them. He's 26.

He does his best and works his ass off to work FT and take care of them, alone.

My bitch sister, who lives 20 miles away, acts like they're already dead. Don't get me started.

Yes, it's where I grew up.

Worry is an understatement. I don't sleep much, and I cry a lot. :(

:hug:

[lonestarnot]

3. Buy them wearable electric blankets. Is there such a thing?

:shrug: Maybe we should patent them.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

7. I love my electric blankie and I use it when down isn't enough. :)

[bicentennial_baby]

10. My Mom can't be trusted with one...She's very sick

A nice idea though.

[lonestarnot]

20. We need to invent some that will regulate to body temperature for the elderly.

You are going to have to bring them to your house for the winter.

[bicentennial_baby]

24. You mean my tiny apartment in the city 100 miles away?

Um, no. First of all, I'm not equipped for a paraplegic (my Dad), and my Mother would NEVER leave her house to come here. Plus, that would leave the house abandoned. Never going to happen, even if I offered. They are both chronically/terminally ill, and would not tolerate moving 100 miles to live in an apartment that's barely big enough for 2 people and 2 cats.

[lonestarnot]

25. What in the hell are you going to do?

Are you going to go there?

[bicentennial_baby]

29. I don't know...

I'm a full time student, married, PT job. What should I do?

I'm doing my best. My little brother is out there with them.

[lonestarnot]

31. Geeze I don't know. I would have to quit my pt job and head out myself, but

I don't mean that to make you feel guilty. That is just what I would do, because I'm nuts from all of it. Is your little brother good with them?

[bicentennial_baby]

32. Yes, he's fine. Would you quit school 8 months before graduation as well?

No offense.

[lonestarnot]

34. Damn that's hard. Can you go check on them periodically?

I heard there is a road salt shortage.

[bicentennial_baby]

35. My brother is 26 and can handle it

I go home as often as I can and as often as I can afford 200 miles worth of gas.

[lonestarnot]

36. Yes. He could take them to some place that is warm if they get too cold.

I hope they will be alright, and I hope you will be too. Peace. Sending good vibes for this predicament. Wish I could do more. :hug:

[yy4me]

4. Hi b-b, I'm north of Boston and a Senior. Going to a

meeting at the local Senior Center this week. The town is presenting folks from various state programs and our light department for this same reason. We no longer have the $$$. One delivery for me will be my whole Social Security check. I'm afraid for all of us.

Hopefully this meeting will give us some ideas or places to contact for some king of help. I'll post the findings on Thursday.

Meantime, your folks should contact any town agency that deals with Seniors, Councils on Aging, Town Clerks office.

[Pavulon]

5. Oil dropping like a rock

at 80 a bbl now. #2 should catch up in 30 days at most.

[yourout]

6. Any chance to change to a natural gas furnace? or LP gas.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

15. I use natural gas and the price has gone up a great deal.

[yourout]

18. Pellet and corn stoves/furnaces are becoming popular.

<http://www.woodstoves.net/traeger.htm>

[femmocrat]

9. We use oil too.

We haven't even turned the furnace on yet. We are making do with space heaters for now.

(We used to heat our house for $500/year with oil, not so many years ago.)

Hope it's a mild winter for MA and your parents. :scared:

[NC_Nurse]

12. That sucks. I have a page of heating tips I have given my tenants who have

oil heat. Of course, in NC they don't use anywhere near as much anyway, but most are poor grad students. They have to save every penny.
If you can get some help to winterize the place before it gets really cold, that will help too. Maybe plastic sheeting over the windows,
caulk and weatherstripping for doors and windows, etc.

Keeping the heat low - like 65 or so and wearing lots of clothes, long underwear, down throws, space heater in the room where they spend the most time.
Those are the most effective things I remember.

They may qualify for some other assistance...I'm not sure what's out there. Good luck to them and you. :hug:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

13. Here you go.

http://www.citgoheatingoil.com/about_program.asp

Joseph Kennedy is working for this program.

[bicentennial_baby]

16. My parents' income is too high

That's the catch. On paper, you'd think they can afford it easily. But, my Mom is under 65 and has ALS. Big bills. My Dad is over 65 with MS, but still incurs some bills. Add to that the mortgage, car payment, credit cards, excise taxes, water bills, vet bills, food, etc etc...We're in the Dead Zone. Make too much on paper, not enough in reality. It's fucked up.

Thanks though.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

28. Please call them anyway and explain the cicumstances.

[Old and In the Way]

30. Sorry to hear about your situation.

My mom had ALS....so I know how that must be for you to deal with that. I can't imagine having a second parent with another nuero-muscular problem as well.

I really don't know what your housing situation is, I assume you've gotten the house weatherized...that's a big driver in heating efficiency. If you can get a wood stove in the basement or living room, you can substantially reduce the cost of heating with oil. Wood is still relatively cheap compared to oil up here in Northern Maine. Our state has a low income program to harvest wood on state property for $25.00/cord. Probably can't help your situation.

I can tell you that this is the #1 concern in our district....lots of elderly people on fixed income and many are dreading winter. We've willing to take in an older local resident if the situation becomes critical.

[shraby]

17. One thing not many younger people know about

that will help conserve heat in a house is as the snowbanks form, shovel the snow up against the base of the house up above where the house connects to the foundation. It will act as an insulator where there is a good chance of heat leakage. Older generations used to do this all the time.

[lonestarnot]

22. That's a good one!

:hi:

[Newshues]

19. a tank a month?

Sounds like either a house too big for 2 or poorly weatherized.

Hard to change a house to big but parts of too large houses can be closed off and basically shut down for the winter.

Weatherization is never too late. At these prices you'd make the money up over the course of the winter.

And the shoveling snow up against the house really does work.

[debbierlus]

23. We shut down the upstairs of our big house in the winter......

And, since it is a big house, we have enough room downstairs for the three of us. The upstairs is going to be turned into a summer rental anyway (we live in a tourist town).

Mass Energy has great weatherization programs that will pay for new appliance that our more fuel efficient and they kick in about half for full house insulation...

Heavy curtains in front of windows are a big help. And, energy efficient modern space heaters (not the old fire hazards, they are good for keeping a bedroom warm at night.

[debbierlus]

21. Have them apply for heating assistance, if they don't get it, there are other programs available

I live in Western MA. I just filled two tanks for the season, & I haven't turned my heat on yet. I am waiting until the LAST possible moment. The nights are in the mid thirties and days are in the fifties. I know their pain.

My best advice. Have them apply for fuel assistance, even if they make too much. The refusal letter is a must have to participate in other fuel assistance programs. The Salvation Army has a fuel assistance program that gives a few hundred bucks to those who don't qualify for the regular assistance.

Joe for Oil (google it) also gives funds to people who exceed traditonal fuel assistance guidelines.

I know it is rough. It is already cold. I invested in some heavy cashmere sweaters bought off eBay & a super heavy down fill comforter. They were pretty reasonable in price, as they were used, but clean and in wonderful condition. I am under my down right now & I am toasty.

[Tutonic]

27. Contact Bobby Kennedy's organization. they can put them in touch

with the right folks. Screw McCain!!! and that nutty lady.

[Marie2]

37. Hire Someone

To go over in the middle of the day for a couple of hours. If the area is depressed, there should be many retirees, at-home moms, students with different schedules, who'd be willing to go over and make $20 a day. . . someone to go over between 11 am to 1 pm or something, every day, in the middle of the day. They can see to it that your folks are warm enough, use a space heater in a certain room or electric blankets or whatever to get their temperature reasonable, and heat them a warm meal. Before they leave, they can tuck a hot water bottle and make sure anything dangerous is turned off.

It doesn't sound like your folks need to wander the whole house, just heat the kitchen and main room and a bathroom. That should save considerable money during the day, and your brother could heat the rest of the house/bedrooms at night.

[illuminaughty]

38. So sorry to hear about their conditions

I'm am so sick of the sad scenario that has become our country. I'm 53 and have had MS for 18 years. My health insurance finally priced me out of health care and I own a dance studio that is also in my/my Mom's house. Mom has dementia now and I too, have a sibling that lives 6 miles away that does absolutely nothing. My students who have been with me for years do more for us than my family.

We are also trying to figure out where the money will come from for heat. We had two bills over $700 last year and I have just now got caught up so they wouldn't turn our gas off. My father built the house and it is not sell-able so we just have to figure it out. We've turned off heat in some rooms but are looking into any options. My friends have told me that Catholic Charities or Salvation Army will pay one bill every six months. Haven't resorted to that yet.

The pain of having MS or ALS makes every day a challenge without having to worry about how you're going to stay warm. Our country's healthcare system is criminal. We need a massive makeover as a nation. I wish your family well.

[Shakespeare]

39. Oh, sweetie.

I have no ideas at all, but I sure as hell hope there's some help out there. I'm so sorry--none of you deserve yet more stress. :-(

:hug: :loveya:

[Dem2theMax]

40. Two big suggestions.

One, go here. http://www.eheat.us/#

We purchased these heaters and they work. You can purchase them as you can afford them and put them anywhere in the house where there is an electric outlet. You can also purchase thermostats to go with them. See the home page of the web site for all they have to offer.

Two, go to the "Frugal and Energy Efficient Living Group" on DU. It is located under the "Lifestyle, Peer Support & Self-Help" section.
I have learned a LOT in that group. Tons of ideas on saving money in many different areas, heating included.

I'd also suggest electric blankets and even warming blankets.

Look for "Chattam & Wells heated blankets" on Google. I purchased one for my parents. It has a lot of safety features and it is more comfortable.

For warming blankets, called "electric throws" look for something like this:
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=58246&CatID=58246&Grptyp=STY&ItemId=14abd1c&cmRef=http://www.jcpenney.com/products/C31053.jsp

They have safety features as well, but are not the same as an electric blanket for a bed. I bought Mom one of those because she is always cold. She said it is the best gift I've ever given to her.

I wish you luck. I wish I could help more. :hug: