CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today said that dramatic fuel cost increases puts seniors and families at risk, and he asked the Congressional Delegation to consider additional emergency funds for the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

"A 65 percent increase in heating costs, coupled with the prospects of a harsh winter, make it clear that many of our citizens are going to need help heating their homes - and that the need will be much greater than the LIHEAP base grant the state is expected to receive," Gov. Lynch said. "I know the members of our Congressional Delegation share my concerns. I am confident that they will work together to help secure additional emergency funds to keep New Hampshire citizens warm this winter."

Prices for heating oil are now 65 percent higher than this time last year, with a statewide average price of $2.55 per gallon. Last year the average LIHEAP benefit level was $570 per New Hampshire household. At current prices, LIHEAP recipients who heat with oil would need a benefit of $940 to receive the same level of assistance.

This year, the Community Action Agencies already have processed more than 11,000 applications for LIHEAP assistance - nearly one-third of the total applications taken last year.

"I am genuinely concerned that people will have to choose between heating their homes and essentials such as medicine or food," Gov. Lynch wrote the Congressional Delegation.

The Governor's Office of Energy & Planning estimates that in order for household benefits to keep pace with rising fuel costs and to address the significant number of low-income households requesting assistance, New Hampshire will require a minimum of $33 million, more than twice the LIHEAP base grant allocation in Fiscal Year '05.

Gov. Lynch asked the Congressional Delegation to consider additional emergency funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and to expedite the release of LIHEAP funding.

"I realize that the federal debate over LIHEAP appropriations has not yet been resolved. I understand that in years past the process sometimes was not finalized until the peak of the winter heating season. Given this year's high-energy costs, it is vital that we receive LIHEAP funds in the near term," Gov. Lynch wrote.

A copy of the letter is below.

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September 26, 2005

The Honorable Judd Gregg
United States Senate
393 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Gregg:

As you know, New Hampshire residents long have benefited from the bipartisan support in Congress of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). New Hampshire is now experiencing unprecedented energy prices, which could climb even higher as winter demand grows. Consequently, I am requesting your assistance in securing LIHEAP emergency contingency funds to help ensure that New Hampshire's low-income residents, many of whom are elderly, disabled or working families, have the necessary funds to pay their home energy bills.

With a statewide average price of $2.55 per gallon, prices for heating oil are now 65 percent higher than this time last year. Last year the average LIHEAP benefit level was $570 per New Hampshire household. At current prices, LIHEAP recipients who heat with oil would need a benefit of $940 to receive the same level of assistance.

Although the winter heating season hasn't begun, we already know the need is great. This year, the Community Action Agencies already have processed over 11,000 applications for LIHEAP assistance - nearly one-third of the total applications taken last year.

Many New Hampshire families are still struggling to pay last year's heating bills, and their ability to do so has been hampered by high gasoline prices. I am genuinely concerned that people will have to choose between heating their homes and essentials such as medicine or food. My Office of Energy & Planning estimates that in order for household benefits to keep pace with rising fuel costs and to address the significant number of low-income households requesting assistance, New Hampshire will require a minimum of $33 million, more than twice the LIHEAP base grant allocation in Fiscal Year '05.

I realize that the federal debate over LIHEAP appropriations has not yet been resolved. I understand that in years past the process sometimes was not finalized until the peak of the winter heating season. Given this year's high-energy costs, it is vital that we receive LIHEAP funds in the near term.

I look forward to working with you to assure that adequate LIHEAP emergency assistance is made available as soon as possible to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizen here in New Hampshire.

Sincerely,

John H. Lynch
Governor