States warn of home heating crisis

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Several U.S states are preparing for a public health emergency as home hearing costs rise and temperatures begin to drop, officials said.

Stateline.org reported Wednesday that even if the federal government boosts aid to help low-income citizens pay their home energy bills, local officials say record numbers of people could be caught out in the cold.

Already, governors in Northeastern states have warned President George W. Bush that without more federal money for home heating assistance, "an unprecedented crisis is waiting to unfold," a letter said.

"With a record number of families already struggling to pay their home energy bills, states are seeking more federal money to cover the rising cost of fuel this winter," said Mark Wolfe, director of National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, which represents state officials.

Experts say average home energy prices will increase 17 percent this winter compared to last year, while heating oil costs will likely rise 30 percent above last year's prices.