Thursday, Mar 29 2012 3:54PM
CNBC
CNBC reports that recent stories of Alaskan residents' desperation to seek affordable living conditions sparked the Senate Finance Committee's recent proposal for energy vouchers.
The energy vouchers would provide every adult living in the state 250 gallons of heating oil, 35,000 cubic feet or natural gas or 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity for their homes. For those renting their homes, the news source says vouchers can be given to landlords in exchange for reduced rent.
The program would serve as a short-term solution, while long-term solutions for the state's high energy costs have yet to be proposed. CNBC notes that Alaska does provide rural communities assistance with electricity prices, but that help doesn't cover residents who use heating oil.
The source reports it's currently unknown how much the program could cost. However, Senator Joe Thomas, who supports the bill, estimates around 9 cents per surplus dollar, or around $333 million, would be used.
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CNBC