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The
continual rise in home heating fuel is causing concern for some Kodiak
residents for this coming winter, especially for low and fixed income families.
Mary Donaldson has more.
In August of
2007, the average price of heating fuel from North Pacific Fuel in Kodiak was
about 2 dollars and 97 cents per gallon. Today, the average price per gallon
ranges from four eighty two, to five-thirteen per gallon according to a
spokesperson for the company. That’s an increase of 2 dollars and 16 cents for
some, which is and increase of almost 100 percent compared to the same time a
year ago.
Pat Branson, the director of the Kodiak Senior
Center, says she sees
firsthand the trouble rising fuel costs are creating.
(Branson 1 :21s “…and certainly statewide.”)
She says
she regularly receives calls from fixed income residents looking for help with
their rising electric and fuel bills. However, there is assistance available in
town for residents seeking extra help with their bills.
(Hawver 1 :24s “…that’s overdue.”)
That was
Monte Hawver of the Kodiak Brother Francis Shelter. He says the program is
financed through grants and federal assistance and provides monetary assistance.
(Hawver 2 :15s “…and electric these days.”)
Marcella
Dillon is a fixed-income resident and says she cuts back on her travel so she
can afford her fuel bill.
(Dillion 1 :23s “…to pay my oil bill.”)
She says her fuel bill has more
than doubled since last summer. In July 2007 she paid 2 hundred thirty two
dollars to have her tank filled, compared to the 5 hundred seven dollars she
paid last month.
Hawver says the energy rebate being
decided upon right now by the state legislature would be very beneficial to Alaska residents for this
upcoming winter. The bill will help with the escalating electricity and fuel
costs if passed, and as Hawver notes, is needed at this time.
(Hawver 4 :31s “…in their own home.”)
Voting on the energy rebate bill was
set for yesterday, but the legislature has until Thursday to make the decision.
I’m Mary Donaldson.
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