He's not sure yet whether figures justify the request, he said. For customers who can't afford the gas they need, social service agencies such as the Community Action Program and Abilene Baptist Association Social Ministries help as many people as they can. It's not an entitlement,'' executive director Ken Deckard stressed, noting that meeting the eligibility guidelines for help with utility bills won't necessarily bring aid. The agency's budget limits the number of new clients it can accept. CAP administers those funds locally.
Many applicants are single moms.
Agency officials said they always talk to the utility about paying as little as they can to keep the heat on. Gas bill shocks have made some Abilenians more conservation-minded. Next year I'm going to make sure all the doors are weatherproofed,'' said Vinton Simpson. He'll also turn the thermostat lower than his usual 70 degrees, if need be, he said. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved.