The first significant storm of the season has already hit Maine and the challenges of another winter season have become a priority for everyone. Put yourself in the place of older, low-income consumers who already turn down the thermostat, bundle on another sweater or coat to stay warm inside or put a heavier blanket on the bed and hope for the best.

We have learned that the funds available for heating assistance could be less than half of what they were last year.

AARP’s Public Policy Institute recently issued a report on winter heating costs and the news is not good. According to the report, since the mid-1990s, home heating costs have outpaced the ability of many low-income consumers to adequately heat their homes. Of concern is that current projections indicate that heat expenses will increase the most this year for households using fuel oil. In Maine, approximately three out of four residents use fuel oil to heat their homes. For New England residents age 65 and older, the average winter cost in 2010-11 was $3,058. Projections indicate that for 2011-12, that will jump almost 10 percent.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides funding across America, helping low-income households pay their utility bills. Sadly, the House Appropriations Committee has proposed a huge cut to LIHEAP funding.

It is AARP’s sincere hope that Gov. Paul LePage and the state Legislature will consider directing part of the state budget toward helping low-income Mainers as they struggle to stay warm.

John Hennessy,

AARP Maine Director of Advocacy,

Portland