Energy sticker shock
Middle-class and poor consumers are being hit with a triple whammy of energy increases: gas bills, home heating fuel bills and utility bills.
Projected oil heating costs and the anticipation of high winter heating bills is causing a near panic among members of Congress, governors and advocates nationwide to provide assistance funds as energy costs skyrocket. It's not just low-income families who are going to be struggling, but also the middle class. The question is: Will everyone get help?
"The Takeaway's" John Hockeberry and Adaora Udoji talk to Mark Wolfe, Director National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
Wolfe predicts an average cost of $2800 to heat a home with home heating oil -- that's up $1000 from last year.
Congress is looking at doubling the size of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program -- which helps about 6 million families -- not just for the coming year, but also to add another 2.5 billion dollars to this year's funding.
"The Takeaway" is PRI's new national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.
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