With rising oil prices, and deep cuts to state and federal fuel assistance funding, it looked like thousands of people here in Western Massachusetts were in danger of being left out in the cold this winter.

But for now, that crisis has been averted. Mary Ann Kobylanski from the New England Farm Workers Council told 22News that 22 million dollars in state funding will go towards giving low income residents another 100 gallons of fuel. Kobylanski said if people conserve energy, this will help get them through the month of January.

I told her that we’ve been getting e-mails from viewers claiming they’ve tried to call her agency for help and can’t get through. She said that funding is still available, and that it’s important for people to be patient and persistent. Kobylanski said that budget cuts have forced the agency to cut back on staff, leading to longer wait times.

If you need financial help this winter, it’s not too late to apply. Kobylanski said her agency will be accepting applications until April 30th.  Click here  to learn what fuel assistance programs are offered in your city or town.
If there’s anything you want the 22News I-Team to investigate, send an e-mail to iteam@wwlp.com.