July 1, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON CONVENES WINTER FUELS SUMMIT TO PLAN FOR RISING HEATING COSTS THIS WINTER
Costs for Home Heating Fuels Currently at Record Highs
Governor David A. Paterson has called on all relevant New York State agencies and public authorities to convene in Albany today for a first of its kind winter fuels summit. The meeting will be led by Paul DeCotis, Deputy Secretary for Energy, who will report all findings to Governor Paterson later this week.
Agencies and authorities which will be represented at the meeting include the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Division of Housing and Community Renewal, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Department of Public Service, State Emergency Management Office, Long Island Power Authority, New York Power Authority and the Consumer Protection Board, among others.
The primary fuels that New York residents use to heat their homes – natural gas and heating oil – are already at record high prices for this time of year. This winter, heating oil prices are expected to be 40 percent higher and natural gas prices 36 percent higher. New York residents use more home heating oil than any other state in the nation.
“People may not be thinking about it as we approach the July 4th weekend, but energy prices are skyrocketing and New Yorkers who are low-income or who are on fixed incomes will have real difficulty paying their heating bills when the weather turns cold,” said Governor Paterson. “Price increases for home-heating fuels will mean that some New Yorkers may have to make a decision this winter that no one should ever be forced to make: paying for heat or paying to put food on the table.
“It is with this forethought that I called upon all relevant state agencies and authorities to convene at the Capitol today for a winter fuels summit. Agency leadership came together to begin examining strategies and polices that could make heating homes more affordable. Each agency head was asked to discuss their current policies and programs and identify how new or enhanced initiatives can assist New Yorkers meet their heating needs this winter.
“I do not want to create any false hope. There is only so much we can do on the state level to help ease the costs of home heating. But New York residents have my word that we will do everything within our ability to help them stay warm this winter. As we work towards this goal, I would also urge all New Yorkers to take the time this summer to make their homes more energy efficient through weatherization and improved home performance. The very best way to save money is to reduce energy use.
“Our long term focus as a state and a nation should still be on modernizing our energy systems, and investing in new energy technologies that have the potential to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy price volatility, and make energy more affordable. However, until federal and market-based solutions are made available to ease the burden on New Yorkers, we will do what we can to assist those New York residents facing their own economic crisis this winter.”
