As the days turn shorter and colder, it becomes more apparent winter is just around the corner. For many residents of Orleans County, the change of seasons has potential to be a very economically trying time.

On Tuesday, the Orleans County Office of the Aging hosted an energy forum, inviting various state and local officials to come speak to residents and answer questions regarding the cost of heating, ways to save and how to prepare for winter. Additionally, a number of vendors were on-site to speak directly with participants.

“There are things you can do to save energy that are not income-based,” explained Pam Canham, director for the Office of the Aging. “Back in July and August, there was a lot of conversation regarding the approaching winter, so an advisory council was developed to (find ways to help) people make ends meet.”

State Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, presented a few simple suggestions his office had compiled to help save money — including turning the thermostat down a few degrees and changing furnace air filters monthly. Other tips included unplugging appliances not in use, using cold water to do laundry and changing light bulbs to more eco-friendly ones.

“We’re working very diligently with Gov. David Paterson to increase heat eligibility,” Maziarz said. “One of the proposals we have on the (state) Senate side is to allocate heat dollars regionally throughout New York state. There is data to prove here in Western New York, the Southern Tier and Adirondacks, there is colder weather than in the rest of the state — and we think the heat dollars should reflect that.”

County Legislator Gary Kent, chair for the office of the aging committee, said that months ago Maziarz said, “We have to be prepared for catastrophe.” He said since then, fuel has come down more than a dollar a gallon, but is still expensive.

“Many have concerns relating to heating homes safely and economically as possible, and the most vulnerable among us face the greatest risk,” Kent explained. “One potential resource is the Home Energy Assistance Program, which has income qualification guidelines more liberal than most people think. Heating specific spaces where we spend our time is critical, while the areas where we sleep do not need to be as well-heated. ... It is clear this is an issue for Orleans County.”



HEAP assistance



State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, R-Batavia, explained HEAP is a federally funded program that is based on household.

“It is administered through Orleans County’s social services department,” he said. “New York state’s HEAP program provided 8,600 households with assistance (last year). It is comprised of two components — regular benefits and emergency benefits.”

HEAP opens the first week in November — for the 2008-09 winter season, applications for the regular and emergency HEAP funds will be available as of Nov. 3. Tim Kovarik, who was representing the New York state Office of the Aging, said there are a lot of actions being taken in Albany in regards to energy conservation.

“I’ve been there for 21 years, and this is the first time since I’ve been there the director of the office has made energy a priority,” Kovarik said. “This winter, there will be a 1-800 hotline number to call if you are having problems.”

He said he has been receiving numerous calls from people on tight budgets who are concerned about what heating bills will look like this winter.

“There are weatherization programs available — if you need storm windows, doors, or other modifications,” Kovarik said. For certain eligible persons, an auditor from the Office of the Aging can make house calls to see if a house is properly weather-proofed. “We know we can’t control the price of oil, but we can give you programs that will put money back into your pockets.”

One woman in attendance said the weatherization program had made significant improvements on her own home heating bills, although she added she needed to wait two years before the assessment was done.

Lastly, Medina firefighter Matt Mosher reminded individuals to be careful when using heating devices during the winter months.

“A fire doubles in size every 30 seconds if it is not kept in check,” he said. “The cost of purchasing a smoke detector is less than renting a video — the last two or three calls we’ve had have been because neighbors heard smoke detectors going off.”

He advised people to replace the batteries in smoke detectors twice a year, and clean chimney flues annually, saying that could be the difference between “keeping your home, or not.” For more information on winter cost savings options, visit www.nyserda.org and www.getenergysmart.org.