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November 2005 Vol. 24. No. 11
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
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Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
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It could be an expensive winter by Barbara Ogden We have all read that our natural gas bills will be doubling this winter. If you heat with gas and your hot water heater is gas and you have been paying $28 a month for gas, you probably will be paying $56 or more this winter. If you can afford it, don't read any further, but if you are like a lot of our seniors on a fixed income, this is going to hurt. Do you know there are some ways you can fight these high gas bills? First of all, a way to cut down on your heating costs is to not use as much heat or hot water in your home. I know, you get cold and uncomfortable in the winter time if you don't keep your thermostat between 75 and 80. Between 75 and 80 is going to cost you money. Cut down on your use of hot water. Turn lights off when you don't need them on. Open your drapes or curtains during the day and let some sunshine in, if there is any. Put on extra socks and extra sweaters. When you sit and watch TV, cover yourself with a blanket. Get a hot water bottle and keep it in your lap. Get the dog or the cat to sit with you. They are always nice and warm. Get up once in a while and walk around, get your blood going. This will keep you warmer. Another thing you can do is check your doors and windows for drafts. You may be losing inside heat through the cracks under your doors. PG&E has a weatherization program where they will come out and put strips around your windows and doors to keep the cold air out of your house. PG&E has other programs low-income seniors can sign up for that will help with monthly bills. One is the Balanced Payment Program. This averages your monthly bills, so you know what to budget each month. The CARE Program can reduce a low-income household's utility rates. If you use medical life support equipment at home or have special heating needs, the Medical Baseline Program can help you. These programs are available for seniors. They can save you money, but only if you take advantage of them. Nobody can force you to make a phone call. But if you've got any smarts at all, call PG&E and see what they can do for you. Another thing you can do, if you haven't already, is apply for a homeowner's or renter's rebate through the state Franchise Tax Board. If you are low income, you could receive a check for as much as $340. This would go along way in helping you pay your winter utility bills. In order to make it in today's world of high utility bills, high food prices and higher gas prices, low-income seniors have to be smart, creative and take advantage of any program that helps to make the quality of life a little better. Barbara Ogden is director of the McKinleyville Senior Center. Phone numbers for help • PG&E Balanced Payment Program 800-743-5000 • CARE program 800-743-2273 • Weatherization Program 800-933-9555 • Medical Baseline Program 800-743-5000 |
Senior News