Cry Wolf

In August 2008 we discussed on this blog an alarming report developed by the UMASS Donahue Institute indicating that energy costs for households heating with oil and gas in Massachusetts were expected to hit close to $2.7 billion in 2009 (or 30% more than in 2008).  These findings were a wake-up call to government officials and community leaders, who mobilized rapidly in search of solutions.  Governor Patrick called upon his cabinet and legislative leaders and formed the Winter Energy Costs Task Force in July 2008, at a time when the average price of heating oil was at a whopping $4.71 per gallon.  The Task Force reached out to a broad group of state and municipal officials, and non profit organizations - including United Way - to develop an action plan to help mitigate the impending crisis.

The Winter Energy Costs Task Force Report, released in October 2008, offered a three-pronged plan to help Massachusetts residents. The Task Force recommended:

• Maximizing fuel assistance from federal, state, and private funds to help vulnerable individuals and households make it through the winter, including extending that assistance to more families;
• Dramatically increasing energy efficiency programs to help residents lower their heating bills and reduce the amount of fuels they use; and
• Raising awareness of the resources available to help Massachusetts residents cope with the energy challenge.”

Now, a new report: Heat Rises: Lessons from the 2008 Heating Oil Price Spike challenges us to think that, in spite of the decline in heating prices, we are not out of the woods yet.  I agree with these findings, and encourage everyone to think long-term about how the volatility of oil and energy commodity prices has families –in particular low and fixed-income households- at its mercy.

United Way’s Community Support Fund was launched, partly, in response to the Task Force’s request for flexible cash resources to help families meet their spiking heating bills.  Many foundations, corporations, and private donors responded to our appeal and helped us raise $2 million for households in distress.  In addition, United Way’s Mass211 was designated by the Task Force as the official heating assistance hotline.  We are committed to continuing these efforts and exploring other avenues to help lessen the heating costs' burden for families.  What we saw in 2008 was the real thing... big teeth and all!