Paterson said home heating cost fears easing

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

Gov. David Paterson says the winter heating season might be easier than expected for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers.

Paterson says state and federal funding added to the home heating aid program along with a drop in fuel prices should be enough to help New Yorkers in the program pay their heating bills.

Rising unemployment and recession, however, might put further strain on the funding.

Paterson added $68 million in September to the program and the federal government recently added another $488 million for New York. A new Web site, www.HeatSmartNY.org, is available to give New Yorkers tips for lowering heating bills and help them determine if they are eligible for assistance.

The state is also hosting 630 workshops around the state to educate the public about reducing energy costs.

When fuel prices were spiking this summer, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said as much as $800 million would be needed to keep New Yorkers from choosing between heat and food.