What You Should Know About Home Heating

Source: Linda Slota, Director Webster Senior Center News

Home Heating

A heating utility is not allowed to shut off the heat, even for non-payment, under certain circumstances including:

1. If everyone in the household is over 65

2. If the consumer can demonstrate to the company that he or she is unable to pay the bill, and that someone who lives in the home is seriously ill or is a child under the age of one.

To qualify, contact the utility company and explain your situation, and provide supporting decumentation. There is a winter moratorium in place every year from November 15th to March 15th, during which gas and electric companies cannot shut off service because of inability to pay.

Consumers may seek help from the local fuel assistance office if they are having trouble paying utility bills. The consumer does not have to be unemployed to get help. In addition, utility companies can work out discount, budget and payment plans.

Oil Heat 

Before entering into a contract with a home heating oil company, ask questions, know what the start and end dates for the contract are and what the cost per gallon is. Make sure to get all the details in writing and carefully read all of the terms before signing. Keep a copy of the contract and any other related paperwork, including any advertisements the company placed at the time of purchase.

Propane Heating

Propane is priced differently from oil or gas, and you may be charged a higher rate if you use very little fuel each year. Many dealers offer a balanced billing payment plan to spread out annual costs over many months. Read all contract terms carefully.

Heating Assistance

For heating assistance, contact the MA Energy Assistance Programs Heat Line (1-800-632-8185, or the Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund (http://www.magoodneighbor.org, 1-800-334-3047).

For oil heat only, contact Citizens Energy (http://www.citizensenergy.com, 1-877-563-4645)