R.I. leaders discuss potential winter energy problems

By David Rising, Associated Press, 9/18/2000 18:19

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) Rhode Island officials planned Monday to start monitoring the amount of heating oil in storage and improve emergency preparedness as residents face the chance for record-high home heating prices this winter.

The meeting, organized by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, was called to review the challenges ahead and learn what issues need to be addressed on a federal level.

''The challenge is to try and manage it as best as we can so the price increases aren't dramatic and sudden so that people can manage,'' Reed said after the gathering in Warwick.

Rhode Island has less storage capacity for oil, partly because two port terminals have closed. The state will begin monitoring the supply, instead of just watching the prices of oil as it does now.

According to the Rhode Island Energy Office, the average price of a gallon of home heating oil rose in the last week by another three cents, to $1.60. The price has climbed 16 percent in the last month.

Northeastern senators have already signed a group letter to President Clinton asking for an early release of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds so that people can take advantage of prices at their current level, Reed said.

U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee said the country should also try to increase its fossil fuel production. ''This is not only an issue of high prices,'' Chafee said. ''It is also a national security concern.''

Officials also discussed timproving delivery and distribution of fuel in Rhode Island, tax incentives to encourage increased heating oil storage and the impact of pipeline capacity limitations on natural gas in the region,.

A follow-up meeting has not yet been scheduled

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-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), September 19, 2000