Winter is on the way, and many families who turned to oil heat in the past are finding it much harder to buy this year. But, it is not just going to be tough on families, but also the government and social service agencies. They are seeing more people asking for help this year. On Thursday, they and state Attorney General Martha Coakley got together to figure out how to handle the growing problem.

"It's a difficult, difficult winter that's coming upon us," said Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan.

And, even though autumn has just begun, the higher cost of oil is enough to bring local and state leaders together in Holyoke long before the winter freeze.

"How do we start to plan for next year and beyond?" Coakley asked the group of about 50 at the Heritage State park Visitors Center. "We know, no matter how tough it's going to be this year, it's not going to get any easier," she added.

The Massachusetts Attorney General's office says it is expecting a 40-50 percent increase in winter energy costs over last year. A round table discussion Thursday morning was one of four throughout the Bay State. At issue is the expected increase in homeowners asking for fuel assistance. Right now, the threshold for assistance for a family of four is a gross income of less than $42,400 a year.

"Even with that, a lot of folks are finding costs going up with fuel costs alone," Coakley said. "So, I think there are going to be lots of people who aren't eligible who also are going to need help getting heating assistance this winter."

Homeowners like Yolanda Klimoski of Holyoke depend on oil heat, and are filling their tanks now.

"We need it so we plan ahead, and I pay for it in cash," Klimoski said.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, oil prices are projected to average $4.13 per gallon this winter, an increase of about 25 percent over last year. Local towns are working with residents on a case by case basis. But, Holyoke alone has already seen a spike in heating assistance. This time last year, Mayor Sullivan says 2-3 families needed help. This year it's already up to 20.

"We hope that we can work with those people to change their situations, and make the system work for them, but it's not going to be easy. That's for sure," Sullivan said.

For more information on how to obtain energy assistance, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Economic Development.