AARP: ENERGY COSTS REDUCE BACK-TO-SCHOOL AND HOLIDAY SPENDING
Source: AARP Press Center | August 27, 2008
August 27, 2008
Contact: Alejandra Owens, AARP, 202-434-2560, asowens@aarp.org
Today, AARP released a new survey asking Americans 45 and older how rising energy costs have impacted their day-to-day lives. Nearly 75 percent of those surveyed reported a rise in their home heating and cooling costs over the last year and nearly a third (29%) are cutting back on back-to-school shopping and more than half (57%) anticipate spending less this holiday season because of it.
Due to an increase in home energy costs older Americans are taking measures to protect their pocketbook, including:
• More than half (57%) anticipate spending less during the holiday season;
• 29 percent are spending less on back-to-school shopping;
• Nearly half (46%) are heating/cooling only certain parts of their homes;
• 81 percent are turning the thermostat up or down;
• Nearly three quarters (73%) are trying to use less energy in the home; and
• 63 percent are modifying their homes to be more energy efficient.
“Energy efficiency modifications should lower bills while maintaining the same level of comfort, but not all households can afford such investments,” said David Certner, Legislative Policy Director AARP. “Other behaviors -- such as turning your thermostat up or down during the hottest or coldest times of the year and having home utilities shut off -- have proven time and time again to result in a rise in emergency room visits and deaths in communities. Action must be taken to provide sensible relief to people who need it the most.”
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is, for many individuals, their last and best opportunity to protect the health of their families during the hottest and coldest times of the year. Unfortunately, current federal funding for the LIHEAP program does not factor in inflation, increased need or rising energy costs, and falls far short of need. From FY2003 to FY2008, the average home heating oil cost has gone up nearly $1500 and the average natural gas cost has risen over $800 – last year alone, the average home receiving LIHEAP funding obtained $305 to aide in the payment of their home energy costs.
“Each year we work with members of Congress, state legislators and Governors to impress upon them just how much their constituents need low income energy assistance,” said Certner. “Our survey found that 74 percent of all people felt their elected officials were not doing enough to help people in need. The spike in home energy costs this year may be a wake up call for many.”
For more money saving resources, tips and tools, please visit http://www.aarp.org/money/wise_consumer/telephones/a2004-12-01-energybills.html.
About AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
