MANCHESTER, N.H.- With the temperature continuing to decline and oil prices fluctuating on a daily basis, New England’s 6 Governors have asked the federal government for added financial help, so people can afford to heat their homes.

The Governors are calling on Congress to add $3 billion to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps families with their winter heating bills as they say higher-than-normal energy costs are straining the program.

Speaking with reporters Governor Kelly Ayotte said: “I think this is really important that the federal government also recognize that we’re going to have greater needs this season.”

Officials say the requested amount would increase the program’s total funding for this year to $7 billion.