Energy costs soar; assistance available

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - "The cost of utilities has gone up in the last 90 days," Edith Jones with the STOP organization told WAVY.com.  Jones knows what the cost of energy can cost a family.

"I've had the very difficult task of turning down a family that has no utilities. But the cost is so exorbitant that they can't put the money together and we really don't have enough to help them," she explained.

But with federal, local and donated money, some low income families are being helped with emergency bill pay assistance, and free home weatherizations through STOP.

Gwendolyn Bailey walked WAVY.com around her Norfolk home. "This window and this window, they replaced them," Bailey said as she pointed to her new windows.

Bailey said STOP helped make her home more energy efficient. Not everyone will qualify for free help, but your family could save money by doing some of the things that were done for her.

"They insulated the windows, the doors, they closed, fixed the vent on the fireplace," Bailey explained.

Bailey has learned to take care of smaller - but equally important energy saving items herself, like changing the air filter for her heating unit.

The simple steps could become much more important with winter approaching. The US Department of Energy announced Tuesday that energy, or heating costs, of every type are expected to be higher than last winter. The DOE report projects electricity will go up 10 percent, propane 11 percent, natural gas bills could go up by 18 percent, and home heating oil is expected to see a 23 percent increase over last year.

At STOP, Jones says economic times are tough, and more families will face tighter budgets. So clients are being offered more than just financial assistance.

Jones told WAVY.com, "Increased money is not always the answer, sometimes we bring them in and do financial counseling with them. Sometimes there are things they can do."

Bailey cares for her brother. Both of them live on fixed incomes because of disabilities. She said they're committed to saving money now as a way of life.

"We had to change everything. We cut back on a lot of things. We don't eat out as much," she said. Bailey continued, "We keep the shades open during the day. That gives us plenty of light. Plus, the sun heats the house up. We're working in every way we can."

Helpful Links:

Dominion Power Energy Assistance
Dominion Power Senior Assistance (NC)
Virginia Natural Gas Energy Assistance
Energy Saving Tips from the U.S. Dept. of Energy