Lights, Gas or Food? Sacramentans Faced With Tough Choices

Families across Sacramento are among millions across the country that have recently had to decide between putting gas in their cars, food on their table, or keeping the lights on in their homes.

For many, paying utilities is no longer a necessity but an option."That is exactly what it was down to. It was either me buying groceries or paying the gas bill. I chose to buy groceries," said Peggy Kastanis who lives in a small apartment in Sacramento's midtown.

The utility company eventually shut off her heat. "I didn't realize that we were going to have a few more cold days and I spent some pretty cold days over here since it was turned off, but by then I had already made the decision."

Gloria Martinez is a customer advisor for Home Energy Assistance Program or HEAP which helps utility customers pay their energy and gas bills.

So far this year roughly 4,000 families asked for help. "It's crazy. The families are having to make a choice whether they put gas in their cars or food."

Nationwide, six million people have gone to federal grant programs like HEAP for help to pay their utility bills.


Copyright 2008