For close to two decades, low-income Georgians have kept warm with the help of a federal program that offers aid for winter heating bills.
But budget cuts and the troubled economy mean a record number this year could have trouble keeping their heat on.
This month, low-income seniors can apply for up to $350 of winter heating aid from their local community action authorities. And in December, the aid is open to all ages who are at or below 150% of the poverty level.
Jaminice Miller runs the aid program for Henry, Fayette, and Clayton counties. She says demand was so high last year that funds were totally exhausted by February.
Miller says she expects demand to be high again this year.
“Traditionally Henry and Fayette county residents – they were not necessarily affected but they’re now seeking assistance because they have lost their jobs, unemployment benefits have run out for them, and there are no other sources of income for them to maintain their households.”
And Miller has another cause for concern.
“What’s unique for this year is that congress has not appropriated a budget for the programs and we’re expecting a 50 percent cut,” said Miller. “We may not be able to make it to the end of December.”
In that event, Miller says she’ll lobby the Public Service Commission, the state agency in charge of regulating utilities, to help fund the program.
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