W-b Area Oks A $2.3 Million Bond Issue 
The Money Will Be Used To Pay On Two Outstanding Loans, One Of Which Was Taken
Out To Help With The Construction Of The Solomon-plains Memorial School.

2nd-half Hustle Lifts Valley View Over Meyers

By M. PAUL JACKSON michaelj@leader.net
 Thursday, February 27, 2003 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 1C 





WILKES-BARRE - The Commission on Economic Opportunity has been asked to
help ``hundreds'' more residents pay for home heating oil this year, as low
temperatures and escalating fuel costs make it difficult for some consumers to
pay for heat. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The nonprofit CEO, which provides financial assistance and training
programs for low-income residents, has been swamped with requests for heating
assistance this year, Executive Director Gene Brady said Thursday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The reasons: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The average temperature this winter is about 30 percent colder than last
year based on degree days - a measure of the amount of heat required each day
to bring a home to a comfortable temperature. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The average price of a gallon of home heating oil is 42 percent greater
than last year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The commission also assists homeowners with payments to utility companies,
such as natural gas companies, but, few of the commission's customers have had
trouble paying those bills. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Most of those seeking help need money for home heating oil, Brady said.
``We've been very, very busy with that.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 According to the commission, the average price of a gallon of home heating
oil was $1.32 cost in January, compared to 93 cents in January 2002. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Natural gas bills have risen because of increased consumption. PG Energy
customers used about 30 percent more natural gas last month than the same
period a year ago, according to the gas company. February figures were not
readily available. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``The colder it is, the more fuel'' costs, Brady said. ``People on a
limited income are having to spend a lot more.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The heating oil customers with the most problems are those who get
deliveries from small oil companies, he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Northeastern Pennsylvania consumers aren't alone. Low-income residents
across Pennsylvania are having more trouble paying oil bills, state officials
said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The state Department of Public Welfare administers the Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program, a service for low-income families. The program
provides grants for homeowners who cannot make their oil payments. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Because of the colder weather, ``we have seen an steady stream of
individuals applying for grants,'' said department spokesman Jay Pagni. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The state has supplied about 63,000 residents with grants since November.
Pagni could not say how many more grants were awarded this winter than last
winter. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A ``large percentage'' of grants were for fuel oil assistance, he said.
``Lack of fuel is an issue.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 What can families without adequate heating oil do for help? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The state program provides grant funds of up to $600 per household for fuel
oil, Pagni said. The maximum was $300 but was increased by the federal
government in early February. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Families must meet income restrictions to be eligible for the program. The
maximum income for a family of four is $24,435, for example. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Brady suggested eligible homeowners apply for the LIHEAP for the help.
Applications are available at the commission office at 165 Amber Lane,
Wilkes-Barre. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The commission also will purchase heating oil for a family, but the
family's oil must be exhausted to receive that help, Brady said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 M. Paul Jackson, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7134. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Winter Expenses Low Temperatures Have Local Aid Agency Swamped With Aid Requests Heating Oil Costs Bring Rush For Help