RESOURCES FOR DEALING WITH RATE HIKES
Attention: Clergy and Leadership, all Houses of Worship
Subject: Alarmingly high energy rate hikes
From: Jewish Climate Action Network-MA
Winter, 2023
Dear Congregational Leader –
We would like you to be aware of the impact of unprecedented energy rate hikes hitting us this winter. Here in Massachusetts (but also everywhere around the Northern Hemisphere), the cost of warming jumped. Not just gradual inflation, but a leap in the price of oil, gas, and electricity is having real effects; a financial burden for all, and much worse for some of your congregants.
We want you to be aware so that you can counsel and assist as appropriate.
On Jan. 10, 2023, MassIPL and JCAN-MA partnered in presenting a zoom program: Rate Hikes Yikes. We shared critical coping methods to help make household heating more manageable. While our ongoing goal is to accelerate decarbonization, the ‘quick’ strategies in this special program can help folks right now.
You may have members who are unaware they would benefit greatly from the free energy services that are available. For instance, a family of 4 making up to $81,000 (60% of MA median) is eligible.
Below we offer a model letter of resources in Massachusetts, along with a link to the 1/10 program. You should know that LIHEAP and WX are critically valuable Federal programs, and available through Community Action Agencies in every state.
We hope you can quickly mobilize in your congregations.
We also invite you to sign up to receive occasional emails from JCAN: https://www.jewishclimate.org/
Thank you.
Sincerely,
– Fred Davis, President of Jewish Climate Action Network-MA
MODEL LETTER
Dear Congregant,
Staying warm just got much more expensive! This winter, gas, oil, and electric prices all increased astronomically, impacting all of us. You or someone you know may benefit from the valuable resources below to help manage. Perhaps you know someone for whom you could do the reading and help them? What a mitzvah (obligation /good deed).
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (if income-eligible):
DO-IT-YOURSELF WEATHERIZING (for all)
Window panel providers:
RECENT ZOOM PROGRAM:
Produced by Jewish Climate Action Network-MA, and Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light JCAN Rate Hikes Yikes
Please advise if you need help. Thank you for your ongoing chesed (kindness)!
Subject: Alarmingly high energy rate hikes
From: Jewish Climate Action Network-MA
Winter, 2023
Dear Congregational Leader –
We would like you to be aware of the impact of unprecedented energy rate hikes hitting us this winter. Here in Massachusetts (but also everywhere around the Northern Hemisphere), the cost of warming jumped. Not just gradual inflation, but a leap in the price of oil, gas, and electricity is having real effects; a financial burden for all, and much worse for some of your congregants.
We want you to be aware so that you can counsel and assist as appropriate.
On Jan. 10, 2023, MassIPL and JCAN-MA partnered in presenting a zoom program: Rate Hikes Yikes. We shared critical coping methods to help make household heating more manageable. While our ongoing goal is to accelerate decarbonization, the ‘quick’ strategies in this special program can help folks right now.
You may have members who are unaware they would benefit greatly from the free energy services that are available. For instance, a family of 4 making up to $81,000 (60% of MA median) is eligible.
Below we offer a model letter of resources in Massachusetts, along with a link to the 1/10 program. You should know that LIHEAP and WX are critically valuable Federal programs, and available through Community Action Agencies in every state.
We hope you can quickly mobilize in your congregations.
We also invite you to sign up to receive occasional emails from JCAN: https://www.jewishclimate.org/
Thank you.
Sincerely,
– Fred Davis, President of Jewish Climate Action Network-MA
MODEL LETTER
Dear Congregant,
Staying warm just got much more expensive! This winter, gas, oil, and electric prices all increased astronomically, impacting all of us. You or someone you know may benefit from the valuable resources below to help manage. Perhaps you know someone for whom you could do the reading and help them? What a mitzvah (obligation /good deed).
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (if income-eligible):
- Cold Relief – agencies provide valuable services (for up to 60% of MA median income): https://www.mass.gov/doc/cold-relief-brochure-2023-1/download
- Good Neighbor Fund (for up to 80% of MA median income): http://www.magoodneighbor.org/assistance.html
- NCLC’s Project Stay-Connected page – advocates for access to home heating, electricity: https://www.nclc.org/topic/stay-connected
DO-IT-YOURSELF WEATHERIZING (for all)
- Energy Star Flip Your Fridge Calculator: https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/refrigerators/flip-your-fridge
- Energy Star tips on insulating and air sealing your attic – including excellent video https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/rule_your_attic
- This Old House Weatherization tips: https://youtu.be/PYOhxK0yauE
Window panel providers:
- Windowtherm panels: https://www.skylarcinnovations.com/
- WindowInserts: https://www.windowinserts.com/
- EZ Storm Panels: https://ezstormpanels.com/window-insulators/
RECENT ZOOM PROGRAM:
Produced by Jewish Climate Action Network-MA, and Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light JCAN Rate Hikes Yikes
Please advise if you need help. Thank you for your ongoing chesed (kindness)!