For Immediate Release
December 2, 2005
Please Contact: Michael Bloom, 617-722-1650

Legislature Provides Relief From Rising Heating Costs

(BOSTON) With residential heating costs expected to rise this winter, legislators last month took action to do more to help low and moderate income homeowners and renters pay their heating bills. Senator Jarrett T. Barrios and Senator Patricia Jehlen lauded passage of the H.E.A.T. bill which includes tax credits and increased funding to help residents struggling with rising heating costs.

“Keeping families safe and warm throughout the winter is never negotiable,” said Senator Barrios. “Regardless of income, everyone deserves a roof over their head and shouldn’t have to worry about paying for the basics: food, water and heat. This bill will provide relief to those who need it most.”

The HEAT bill includes the following provisions to help residents cope with rising energy costs:
• Tax credits of up to $600 towards purchases on residential energy efficient heating items that help households use less gas and oil.
• A tax deduction option of up to $800 for home heating expenses for low income and moderate income homeowners and renters.
• The bill directs $20 million in state funding towards the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help Massachusetts energy users deal with rising costs.

Senator Jehlen added, "With rapidly rising energy prices, we all need all the help we can get. There are so many ways to make our homes more energy efficient and these tax breaks plus rising prices should really get us to do more."

For information on energy efficiency, eligibility, and LIHEAP in Massachusetts call the HEATLINE at 1-800-632-8175 or visit: http://www.mass.gov/dhcd/components/cs/1PrgApps/LIHEAP/default.HTM
 

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