The number of households applying for home-heating assistance has climbed to record levels for the third consecutive year, rising by 15 percent to a projected 8.8 million this winter, state energy officials said Monday. This compares with almost 7.7 million recipients last year and 5.7 million in 2008.
Average heating costs have declined slightly since 2009, and the increase in applications reflects, in part, the mounting troubles of those suffering prolonged unemployment, including many people who had not sought the aid in the past, said Mark Wolfe, director of the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, which represents state aid officials in Washington.
Among larger states, aid applications have climbed particularly in California (17 percent), Michigan (28 percent), New Jersey (24 percent) and Wisconsin (20 percent), according to data provided to the national association of assistance directors.
Many states forbid utility shutoffs in the winter, and, with or without aid, struggling families sometimes put off payments, building up arrears. Officials expect a surge in shutoffs in the spring, when the moratoriums end and consumers find themselves owing large amounts.
