my grandmothers gas bill was $330, she makes $678 on soc sec

[LSK]

This is going to be a bigger disaster than 9/11.

FUCK IRAQ. GET OUT NOW.

:grr: :grr:

[RagingInMiami]

1. What was it last year?

[LSK]

2. my mother is in an uproar, she does her bills

From talking to her and my other relatives and my own records, that is DOUBLE over last year.

[RagingInMiami]

3. That's ridiculous

These are the stories that need to be turned into TV commercials before the 2006 elections.

[mhr]

22. Two Words Peak Oil and Peak Gas

Tell her and the other senior citizens to wake up and get active.

[ClintonTyree]

56. Seems odd to me........

that just a few years ago they were saying there was a glut of natural gas, that there seemed to be a never ending supply. Where did it al go, or is this a manufactured shortage designed to enrich the energy companies at the public's expense? You be the judge.

[mhr]

61. Actually Natural Gas Is In Shorter Supply Than Oil

That's why we are planning to import ever greater quantities from overseas in costly LNG form.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

64. It's bubbling up in Kingfisher Oklahoma and making cool geysers.

They need to be tapping in to that and using or something...
http://newsok.com/article/1703473/?template=news/main That's a link to a report about them. That's my home town. Kinda interesting...
http://newsok.com/article/1708290/?template=news/main And this is talking about the oil company who thinks they are to blame...
Duckie

[sojourner]

69. or....could it have been "reassurance" to keep people from

aggressively pursuing alternative fuel? recall that "global warming" was also untrue....

what i think is that big oil/gas companies are so greedy that they'll do ANYTHING to keep their $$ coming in. they are likely building a big spaceship to carry their fat asses into space so that when civilization as we know it collapses, they'll be long gone. detect any cynicism here? (i swear that i don't know enough swear words to describe my anger/frustration that we and our elected officials have let these sleaze balls get away with this shit.)

[Radio_Lady]

4. Sorry to hear this. Our gas + electric was more than that; luckily,

we've got two S.S. incomes here, plus a home and other investments.

I feel so badly for your grandmother. How old is she? Are there any other options for her?

In peace,

Radio_Lady (66 yrs. old, married to 71 year old husband, both worked all our lives.)

[LSK]

5. she is in her 80s

She owns her house but this is her only income.

There has to be thousands of people just like her.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

43. It's so sad that you feel the need to file a curriculum

when you say you are on SS. Means all that RW brainwashing about "welfare queens in Cadillacs" worked. :(

[bammertheblue]

6. what a tragedy

This is how we respect our elders? By burying them in bills, from medicines to heating? What a shame.

[MercutioATC]

7. Most states have heating assistance programs...has she looked into it?

I'm not debating the difficulties to some caused by the rise in natural gas prices...just trying to offer a suggestion.

[LSK]

29. i found the Illinois heating assistance website

http://www.liheapillinois.com/

My mother is looking into it now.

[Kingofalldems]

8. She should pick herself up by the bootstraps

That's what the GOP would tell her.

[sojourner]

70. yeah...preznit's buddies think she should look for a job!

[LostinVA]

78. Yeah, your lazy grandmother

Places need seasonal help -- tell her to go bag groceries or something. Geez. People refusing to take personal resposnibility....

:sarcasm:

[shraby]

9. Does she qualify for any home heating assistance?

Call the heating company and ask.

[Erika]

16. W and the GOP has utterly slashed heat assistance programs

in this year's budget. You know, it's one of those socialist programs that the GOP hate. They much prefer the redistribution of taxes. They will take our taxes to increase the wealth of the wealthy, and slash heating assistance funds. Makes perfect sense to them.

There will be many cold citizens this year. Electric throws are one thing, but watching the elitists at New Years Balls is another.

Do the poor deserve to freeze while the rich enjoy elitism in warmth?

Helping the poor heat their homes will be a big item this year.

[prolesunited]

10. I got my bill this week

and it was $280. The thermostat never went above 68. I just reprogrammed it for between 55 and 65. Night time is OK because I pile on the blankets, but I'm freezing all day.

But, I'm young and fairly healthy and able to get out and warm up at work and other places. Older people are going to see these bills and freeze themselves to death.

Will your grandmother be able to qualify for any heating assistance?

[mduffy31]

17. Our City has a budget plan

We just pay the same thing all year long, so during the winter it is managable and we do get hosed a little in the summer but it is a small price to pay. I'll be goddamned if I am going to freeze in my house here in Northern MN where winter is the best 8 months of the year, plus I am lucky that I make a fairly decent living as a nurse, but I can just afford to live and go out to dinner once and awhile with my wife.

[rodeodance]

47. I have a cold nose most of the time and my bill is terrible.

[otohara]

11. Buy Your Grannie an Electric Throw

for every chair & couch and her bed. Walgreens carries them.

[Nicole]

15. those are great

I bought several last year.

[otohara]

Save The Receipts

They have a 5 year warranty - but they never last that long - I keep the receipt and the original package - I exchange at least one of mine for a new one every year -nice and toasty. I remember when they used to be 19.99, now they are close to $40.00 at some places, like Sears.

[Nicole]

32. thanks for the heads up

I do still have them. I paid $12.50 for mine when they were on 1/2 price at Walgreens.

[Sapphire Blue]

73. Kind thought, but it would increase her electric bill.

[phylny]

75. Today's electric blankets are supposed to raise electric bills

pennies per day.

We just got electric blankets for all of our beds, and put the heat way down during the night and stay toastie and warm all night long. The effect on our bill has been negligible.

[Nicole]

12. Damn! that's ridicules

I hope she can get some assistance.

[Erika]

13. Our natural gas bill doubled from last year for the month

We own, free and clear, our home. But we must come up with taxes, insurance, utilities, home repair, etc.

We will probably join most Americans who realize there is no way that we can retire. The costs are too great. Retirement is only for American elitists and the crisis is worsening each year as W does away with the middle class and allows corporate energy profits to skyrocket.

[teryang]

23. Sad but true

you've nailed it.

[blue neen]

14. This is despicable.

What do the energy companies want from us? Blood? I'm very afraid that many elderly are going to die from hypothermia this winter because they won't be able to afford their heating bills.

I hope your grandmother qualifies for some state home heating assistance. My best to you and to her.

...the damn criminals running this country. This makes me sick. :grr:

[Reciprocity]

18. This will be a boon to credit card companies

as this is the only option some folks have.

[Erika]

19. But credit cards will only last for a season

We're stuck with W for another 3 years.

[jazzjunkysue]

20. But not the GOP senate and house....This will be the death of them.

We're gonna take back the government and regain subpoena power, hearings, and committee chairs. We're gonna expose the back room deals and stop the gauging.

If these gas prices don't do it, now, nothing will.

[rodeodance]

48. hope they make the link (high fuel prices and Bush/Repugs in office)!!

[SammyWinstonJack]

59. If they do, I'll be surprised. These people never seem to get it.

Gays not being able to marry sure doesn't get their energy bills paid, does it? :banghead: Well HAPPY HOLIDAYS YOU SELF SERVING SELF RIGHTEOUS MORANS!

[Divernan]

21. My 93 yr. old Mom's nursing home just increased rates $5/day for heating.

Her only income is Railroad Retirement (same as Social Security). She gets $986 a month. She'll get a 4 % cost of living increase. Let's see: 4% of $986 =s $39.44 a month. Her nursing home costs about $4200 a month. Needless to say, she's quickly going through the proceeds of selling her house. In that way, the Alzheimer's is a blessing, because she doesn't worry about money or trying to understand that hellaciously deceptive and confusing Medicare prescription ripoff - oh, I mean "benefit"!

My heating costs have jumped up about 60%, and I am living with the thermostat turned way down and wearing layers of clothing. With the overwhelming deficit Bush has created, I know that the current hardships, such as unaffordable heating costs, will not improve in my lifetime.

[az chela]

24. The state has to help

The power companies will cut the bill in half or more if the person cant pay it.
Have her check with the power to company to find out how to do it

[Erika]

30. I don't know what state you're from

But it doesn't work that way here. By state law the utility cannot cut off heat from December through February.

[Horse with no Name]

55. State law in Texas is worse

State law in Texas says that they can cut off your heat unless it has been 36 hours of consecutive sub freezing temps.
So they can cut you off at 20 degree weather unless it has been 20 degrees for 36 hours.
A single parent friend of mine that has small children just went through this--they cut off her electricity for a one-month bill being past due. They cut it off late in the afternoon with the temperature falling to 27 that night.
I JUST KNEW that had to be illegal--until I called the Public Utilities Commission and they told me it was legal.
I of course had to inquire about when they stopped serving the Public and starting serving the corporations.:eyes:

[chalky]

74. I think az meant that the BILL would be cut in half, not that the

utilities would be cut off.
There are programs for people who can't afford to pay their utilities and it might be possible for her bill to be reduced.

[sandnsea]

36. I've never heard of that

Not in any state I've ever lived in. They have to keep power on for medical reasons, and they do have energy assistance and sometimes company sponsored programs, but I've never heard of any power company cutting the bill.

I also heard once that anybody can go to the free hospital and get all the health care they need. Sounds like somebody is running around the country giving out really bad information.

[mzmolly]

25. That is heartbreaking.

:(

[Cleita]

26. Are you talking for one month?

I got a propane gas bill for over $300 last January. I haven't turned my heater on since. The propane guy came by recently since then to fill my tank. I dread the bill. I haven't got it yet, but they sent me a little thing in the mail saying that they weren't making the profits from the gas. :eyes:

If the bill is more than I can handle then everything else is going off too. I can cook on a hibachi if need be or not cook at all.

[LSK]

28. yes, one month

[Cleita]

31. That's a sin.

I don't know what to say, or how to fix it. I hate what is happening and I feel so helpless to do anything about it.

[Porcupine]

27. It's going to be heat or rent for many americans come Feb.

and many, many of them are going to choose heat. When that happens say goodbye to the bubble economy as the normal chain of cash from tenant to landlord to mortgage company goes down the tubes.

The property owners who rent to the lower middle class can not afford mass evictions. If this actually happens the economy cracks wide open.

[Nutmegger]

33. So sickening

that this admin cares about Iraq when we can't even care for our own people! Arg!

[SammyWinstonJack]

66. They don't care about Iraq, don't kid yourself. What they do care about

is the profits of war they are feasting on and hoarding for themselves.

[jbnow]

34. I hope she gets some help

I naively expected Congress to make a MAJOR increase in home heating assistance. I hoped the oil companies would volunteer to fund some with their huge profits.

I know our gas for driving is high but not like Europe's. But I wonder if gas for heating is kept lower there.

My gas furnace is 50 years old. Yes, I am replacing it. I hear ELECTRIC heat is cheaper then gas now. I am confused at what to choose now.

Like another mentioned, they have a budget plan here where you pay an equal amount for 12 months. That has gone up quite a bit too though.

[converted_democrat]

65. I don't think electric is any better....We have electric everything and

our Nov. bill was either 647.37, or 637.47...I can't remember which off the top of my head. (I can't remember because I took one look at the bill, and when I saw the six in the front, I got really upset.) I handed the bill off to my hubby and told him to handle it, because I was too pissed to even see straight. Our new bill should be here any day now. I'm really dreading it. We have a decent size house, but it isn't big enough in my opinion to generate that kind of bill. I never thought I'd see the day when my energy bill cost more than my mortgage payment.

[MazeRat7]

35. Sounds like an error.. unless her home is 6000 sq ft or so.... (n/t)

[sandnsea]

37. Mine used to regularly be $200+

When I lived in Montana, and that was 10 years ago. My total power bill where I live now, 1400 sq ft house, is $150 and I live in a mild climate. Don't have to live in a big house to have that kind of heat bill.

[MazeRat7]

38. All I know is ng prices are currently up about 3.7% higher than 5yr./avg

I think the gas co screwed up in the billing or something..becuase that just sounds wrong on so many levels... who knows without the data.

Anyway, I did a quick search and here is a summary of current ng price data from the DOE

http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/ngw/ngupdate.asp


<snip>
Summary:

Natural gas spot and futures prices rose significantly as colder-than-normal temperatures put an upward pressure on an already tight natural gas market. While both spot and futures prices increased on the week, futures prices for delivery this winter continue at a discount to the Henry Hub spot price. Meanwhile, according to EIA’s latest weekly storage report, the implied net withdrawal for the report week brought the natural gas stocks to 2,964 Bcf, which is 3.7 percent higher than the 5-year average.
</snip>

[sandnsea]

41. Here, 2 press releases

Illinois natural gas, and before you go quoting their average residential bill, I've never had an average bill in my entire life. It's always been twice as high as the average.

Last year, netween 70 and 77 cents per therm.

http://www.ameren.com/AboutUs/adc_newsfull.asp?NewsSeqID=356

This year, between .95 and $1.11 per therm

http://www.ameren.com/AboutUs/adc_newsfull.asp?NewsSeqID=439

Sounds like a little more than 3%.

[wishlist]

51. No, prices are up 50% although stockpiles are 3.7% higher than average

You misread the article you linked in your post. The 3.7% is referring to stockpiles in storage compared to the past 5 year average, not the price. Here is a current article from MSNBC this week that provides an explanation of prices and stockpiles, with estimate that prices will be up close to 50%.

"To get through the winter, U.S. natural gas suppliers have stockpiled some 3 trillion cubic feet. That’s about average for the past five winters, but 5 percent lower than this time last year, according to the EIA.

So predicting natural gas prices for the rest of the heating season is largely a matter of forecasting the weather. Colder-than-normal weather will squeeze gas supplies further. Even a return to average temperatures — after last year’s relatively mild weather — will send total home heating bills up nearly 50 percent for homeowners who use gas, according to the EIA.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10454032/page/2/

[sabra]

40. what makes you say that?

I live in the N Burbs of Chicago, and gas bills around here around $2-300/month last year during the winter months. Houses are around 2k -2.5k sqft. I am scared what it will be like this year.

peace.

[elehhhhna]

62. we got 200 in Chicago 10 yrs ago for a 1600 s.ft. house

fyi

[sojourner]

72. 10 years ago was a ways back...

and some older people don't have the same internal thermostat as younger folk. my gramma kept her house so hot i had to dress for summer to visit her (and now my mom does, too).

[sojourner]

71. not a stretch at all...mine in 750' sq two years ago was $120 (and toasty)

[lovuian]

39. Get ready people they are only going up up up...

people won't be able to keep themselves warm ...

[roguevalley]

42. I could throw up over this. Your poor Grandma. Hug her for me.

[xchrom]

44. infuriating.

can your grandma make copies of the bill and send it to you?
along with proof of her monthly income -- this is the stuff of a great campaign -- if you have the energy to get it to people who might be effective with using the info.

:grr: :grr: :grr:

[Vinca]

45. Meanwhile, Congress debates the merits of saying Merry Christmas

vs. Happy Holidays.

[rodeodance]

50. wedge issues!! and people fall for it. It hits them in the face for week

s now!

[rodeodance]

46. my mom who is on SS got hit also. This is the disaster we all knew was

coming.

[rodeodance]

49. this is cause I can get my head around--a grand rally of congresspersons.

[Marleyb]

52. Kucinich and Sanders are trying to help...

"The Home Heating Fairness Act of 2005, H.R. 4420, introduced by Congressman Kucinich and Congressman Bernie Sanders (VT) will increase funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) by $22.38 billion over the next decade. By doing so, millions of senior citizens on fixed incomes, low-income families with children and persons with disabilities to stay warm during winter and make their homes more energy efficient"

Kucinich Urges Immediate Congressional Action On Home Heating Costs
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5611525

[Jim__]

53. While the oil companies rake in record profits ...

... the people are being raped. Now will they understand? bush in not on their side.

[newportdadde]

54. Why she should have prepared and worked harder!

Didn't you know that? Any kind of financial trouble is because your grandma made bad choices! She should have invested 1500(equivalent of 10k today) in stocks in the 50s that would have paid for her gas now!

It sounds like your grandma needs to head to community college and get some good job training and embark on many of the well paying fast track white collar jobs available to all, especially 80 year olds.

[elehhhhna]

63. She NEEDS to commit a non-violent felony.

Prisoners have food, heat and medical care.
Now that all that fluff has been cut for the poor & elderly, the joint's looking sorta cozy.

Just sayin

[The Flaming Red Head]

57. I don't know which state but DHS is a good place to start

http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/SSIR/SSI04/Glossary.html

Home Energy Assistance

A Federal Government block grant program that provides funds to States for energy assistance (including weatherization) to low-income households. This assistance may be provided by a variety of agencies (e.g., State or local welfare offices, community action agencies, special energy offices, etc.) and may be known by a variety of names (e.g., Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Project Safe, etc.).



Bless her heart it's called:
(TANF) and Title XIX recipients heating assistance

[AzDar]

58. Pretty soon, I believe we are going to see situations like 'The Waltons',

where many generations are going to be living under one roof out of need; another Great Depression.
Our gas bill DOUBLED last month,and we hadn't even turned on the gas furnace once, (only stove/oven, water heater and furnace are gas; everything else is electric). I (only half-jokingly)told my mother-in-law that we may be selling the house and moving in, when our next gas bill arrives. I am sick of being gouged; I can only imagine what it must be like back East.

[MountainLaurel]

79. Already happening

The term being used by the media is the "Sandwich Generation": People who are raising children while also taking care of their elderly parents. Although, in some cases, it's a different issue, with adult children unable to afford rent or a mortgage on minimum-wage jobs or after a job loss, medical issue, etc. I know a couple folks in both categories.

[Nikia]

60. Check into heating assistance and weatherization

I am assuming that your grandmother lives in her own home, which she owns and that it is an older home that might not be as energy efficient as possible.
This summer, a friend of ours had weatherization done courtesy of the government: insulation, new windows, and other energy saving repairs. This has cut his eneregy bill by over half. They probably wouldn't want to do this in the winter, but it could help for next year.
There is also energy assistance. I don't know if this is through the state or national government. My grandmother got a notice in the mail that she might qualify and is considering applying for it.
I know that these programs have been cut down a bit, but she should try to get any assitance that is available.

[LSK]

67. she lives in a small 2 br single level home

She was a greek immigrant to the US in the 20s.

Her husband died from MS in 1959.

She raised 3 daughters (one of them my mother) practically by herself from waitressing for many many years.

She retired well over 20 years ago.

I'd really like to know how the FREEPS can explain to a single mother who in 1959 was raising 3 children how she should have become a freaking millionaire!

Im pretty sure she will qualify for heating assistance. If not she has a good family who can help out.

But still, there are plenty of people who do not have a support system she has and do not even know how to apply for assistance.

[ohio_liberal]

68. My grandma uses home heating oil

It cost $1300 to fill up two 275 gallon tanks just recently. This is the second time she's had them filled, and she would've needed them filled one more time before the winter is over. My Mom is paying to have an electric furnace installed after the new year. Its just ridiculous for an 85 year old woman to eat through her savings just to stay warm.

[McCamy Taylor]

76. Enron owns lots of Natural gas pipelines and some gas, too.

Maybe she is paying for Ken Lay's defense.

http://www.enron.com/corp/pressroom/factsheets/egs/

[ancient_nomad]

77. LIHEAP in Illinois

This is outrageous and many people are being affected - my husband and I included. We live in PA. Here we have LIHEAP available. I googled LIHEAP in Illinois and found these three sites for you. As in PA., LIHEAP in Illinois is available through the Ill. Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services. I hope these are of help to your grandmother.

http://www.liheapillinois.com/

http://www.state.il.us/aging/

http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/


All best wishes to you and your family this Christmas Season!

[AndreaCG]

80. I own a coop in NYC

and expected my maintenece to go up by at least 7% to cover these costs. The coop is subsidizing us though and only a 3% increase. So I am lucky.. I am typing this bareassed it is so warm.

[Critters2]

81. Time for Granny to get a job!

Just like the hardworking folks in the White House and Pentagon. Maybe Wal-Mart needs greeters

:sarcasm:

[az chela]

82. Just found the federal assitance number

Call 866-674-6327.It is federally funded for peole who cant pay

[LSK]

83. KICK in honor of the deficit reduction bill trying to be passed by GOP

This is the type of "entitlements" that these scum are trying to get rid of.