NORWICH – With the prices for gasoline and retail heating oil rising to new heights, many consumers are having to choose between getting to work and paying for heat, food and other household essentials.

Federal energy information analysts are predicting pump prices to peak near $3.50 a gallon in the spring. Retail heating oil prices this winter are already 33.5 percent higher than last year. Those economic stresses, coupled with the threat of rising unemployment in the area, have many in Chenango County finding themselves at the door of social services.

Chenango County’s Department of Social Services reports an influx this winter of first time clients applying for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program. Although residents enjoyed a reprieve in winter weather conditions this week, DSS Welfare Examiner Sharon Sutherland she is concerned about the coming months.

“What’s going to happen next month, or the month after when the weather gets really cold?” the 30-year veteran asked.