Written on: October 21, 2020 by ICM
Home heating oil prices are down this year, however a 2017 state law in Vermont might lead to other headaches for homeowners. A law passed three years ago required all heating-oil tanks be inspected by 2020. The pandemic has slowed inspections down, despite extensions by Gov. Phil Scott.
The result thus far has been about 1,600 tanks getting “red-tagged,” and cannot be filled until they are fixed, according to the Argus Times. These repairs could cost between $18-$2,000, which are hitting struggling homeowners particularly hard.
The Vermont Fuel Dealer Association (VFDA) applied for and was granted $300,000 for $200 rebates for those in need of a tank repair or replacement, however the funds have run out. A few other groups exist to help repair cost such as BROC Community Action and Capstone Community Action. The Department of Environmental Conservation’s financial assistance program will not have funds until Jan. 1. However, officials there said there may be leftover money from whatever recent recipients didn’t use.
On Monday, Vermont Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to release LIHEAP funds soon and at the full amount possible. According to the senators, HHS usually releases 90% of the $3.7 billion.
Read the full article in the Argus Times.
Source: https://www.timesargus.com/news/fuel-tank-inspection-law-complicates-home-heating-this-winter/article_e675a011-5ee0-50f8-a086-9838bb259fc1.html
