Legislators provide relief from rising heat costs

By George P. Hassett

   As residential heating costs rise and temperatures drop, two Somerville legislators lauded this week‚Äôs passage of a bill designed to help low and moderate income citizens pay their heating bills.  Sen. Jarrett T. Barrios, D-Somerville, and Sen. Patricia Jehlen, D-Somerville, each voted in favor of house bill 4438, or the HEAT bill.
   The bill called for tax credits of up to $600 towards purchases on residential energy efficient heating items that help households use less gas and oil and a tax deduction option of up to $800 for home heating expenses for low income and moderate income homeowners and renters.

   Under the legislation, home heating energy purchases made between Nov.1, 2005 and March 31, 2006 by individuals who make less than $50,000 and joint filers making less than $75,000 annually qualify for the deduction.
   Industry analysts predict Massachusetts homeowners who use oil heat will pay 31 percent more than last winter while natural gas prices are also expected to rise an average of 26 percent.
   Barrios said his support of the bill was never in question  and the services it provides are essential to the citizens of Massachusetts.
   ‚ÄúKeeping families safe and warm throughout the winter is never negotiable,‚Äù said Barrios. ‚ÄúRegardless of income, everyone deserves a roof over their head and shouldn‚Äôt have to worry about paying for the basics: food, water and heat.  This bill will provide relief to those who need it most.‚Äù
   The bill will also direct $20 million in state funding towards the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help Massachusetts energy users deal with rising costs.
   Jehlen said the strategies in the bill will help ease citizens of the burden of rising energy costs.
"With rapidly rising energy prices, we all need all the help we can get.  There are so many ways to make our homes more energy efficient and these tax breaks plus rising prices should really get us to do more," said Jehlen.
  The legislation also includes a study of the future of fuel cell technology, a study of the commonwealth’s implementation of energy efficient building standards and a tax credit for businesses to install solar water heating systems.
For information on energy efficiency, eligibility, and LIHEAP in Massachusetts call the HEATLINE at 1-800-632-8175 or visit: http://www.mass.gov/dhcd/components/cs/1PrgApps/LIHEAP/default.HTM