October 7, 2005

ROMNEY AND U.S. ENERGY SECRETARY BODMAN JOIN TO PRESENT EASY WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY THIS WINTER

National campaign is raising awareness to help ease winter heating costs

DEDHAM- Governor Mitt Romney joined U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman today to demonstrate common sense ways that families can save money on their energy bills during the cold winter months.

The event in Dedham at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Store was Secretary Bodman’s first stop on a nationwide tour to raise awareness of simple and inexpensive ways consumers can be smarter energy users.

“As a state, Massachusetts and its people have led the way in pursuing energy efficient programs for our homes and businesses,” said Romney. “This year, it’s especially important for consumers to know that winter doesn't have to burn a hole in their wallet. Families can save hundreds of dollars by following some common sense tips.”

“As a longtime Boston resident, I know how tough New England winters can be,” Secretary Bodman said. “Because of tight oil and natural gas markets and the damage to our energy infrastructure caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, consumers can expect to see higher energy bills this winter. There are, however, simple, inexpensive, yet extremely effective measures consumers can take to reduce their energy bills.”

Massachusetts recently launched a number of statewide education efforts to give residents access to information on energy savings opportunities and tips for daily energy conservation to ease the expected high cost of winter heating. One recommendation is to install or replace weatherstripping windows and doors – for a potential savings of $128 this winter – which Romney did himself at home this past weekend.

Other winterization and conservation tips that can save Massachusetts households hundreds of dollars over the course of the heating season include:

Romney also encouraged Commonwealth residents to attend one of the state’s informational hearings during the month of October to learn why energy costs are expected to increase, the steps they can take to mitigate those costs and what programs have been put in place to provide relief for qualifying consumers. The Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) will be holding at least ten informational hearings throughout Massachusetts during the last two weeks of October, with representatives from natural gas and electric companies on hand to respond to concerns and enroll those who qualify for discounted utility rates.

Low-income residents in Massachusetts are expected to be particularly affected by increases in energy costs this winter. With heating prices on the rise, Romney and Governor Granholm of Michigan have led an effort among the nation’s governors to obtain approximately $1.3 billion in emergency federal fuel assistance funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Yesterday, Romney met with Senator Arlen Specter, Chairman of a key Senate Appropriations subcommittee, to lobby for the additional funding.

For more energy saving tips and information about heating cost relief programs, please visit the Massachusetts Winter Heating Help Website at www.winterheating.com.

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