One of the most striking things about attending the Regional Energy Roundtable was the amount of preparation and consideration other municipalities and utilities have given the surrounding issues.
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Several spoke of policies designed to forgive arrearages of utility bills to those who fail to quallify for LIHEAP, have exhausted benefits or emergency grant programs.
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And municipalities have laid a framework to provide for those who have exhausted funding and have no heat or to allow residents to turn down their home heat during the day, while staying warm elsewhere. Some solutions have included warm rooms during the day, shelters, use of municipal buildings and reduced rate arrangements with local motels. Consideration has been given to 'After Hours' contact information, publicizing the available assistance and cooperative agreements with neighboring towns that have additional building capacity that can be utilized.
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Escalating fossil fuel costs pose an alarming risk to the most vulnerable among us who often have to choose between food, medicine and heat. The clear vision and planning to avoid the tragic consequences and provide winter warmth defines local government.
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Notice the silence in Middleboro?
1 comment:
We contribute to my Mom's heating costs, but not everyone is in that position. We want to allow her comfort and independence as long as possible. This summer, we worked very hard adding insulation, weather stripping and the stuff you call the 'low hanging fruit' like the curly bulbs. The cost of her prescription drugs keeps increasing and the donut hole is a killer. Since I make sure she's warm I never thought about others with no family and if something is needed in Middleborough, I'll contribute.
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