As members of the Northeast Regional Anti-Hunger Network (NERAHN), a coalition of anti-hunger organizations in the seven-state Northeast region, we are writing to you to express serious concern about the impact on low-income households of the utility rate increases that are now taking effect across our area. The hardships brought on by these skyrocketing costs were highlighted in a recent New York Times article (‘Even before long winter begins energy bill send shivers in New England’); rate increases of between 25 and 37 percent are being implemented across the region. The higher utility costs will disproportionately affect those least able to absorb such drastic changes – namely low-income consumers.