By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

With the price of oil topping $140 a barrel and prices at the pump continuing to hover around $4.00 a gallon, this winter is expected to be the most expensive ever when it comes to home heating costs.

Combating this uncertainty, Riderwood’s comprehensive monthly service package remains constant throughout the long, cold winter. Riderwood is a community in Silver Spring, Md., built and managed by Erickson.

Facing the facts
According to a recent ABCNews.com poll, “More than half of all Americans admit that rising gas prices have become a financial burden for them.” The news only gets worse when looking at heating a home during the winter. The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association recently predicted that home heating oil costs will hit record levels this winter.

The group predicts that “The national average cost to heat a home with oil this winter will be $2,593, up from $1,962 last winter.”

The news isn’t much better for those who depend on electricity to heat their homes. Dominion Virginia Power recently announced that it will raise electricity rates 18% to cover soaring fuel costs, the largest onetime rate increase in three decades.

These sobering facts have left many  consumers scrambling to budget for the substantial change in their monthly utility costs.

Enjoying stability
However, the outlook is much brighter for those living at Riderwood and other Erickson-built and -managed communities.

“Riderwood community members rest assured knowing that regardless of changes in heating prices, their  monthly service fees remain unaffected,” says Retirement Counselor Sally Sager. “As a result, they can plan their budgets with confidence and peace of mind.”

In addition to heat and electricity, the Riderwood monthly service package includes home and seasonal maintenance such as snow removal and furnace/heat pump inspections. All major repairs, 24-hour security, one meal a day in the community’s restaurants, and cable television are also included.