WORCESTER, Mass. - Although it's been a warm winter so far, the Worcester Community Action Council has seen a spike in applications for its fuel assistance program.

By the end of last winter, they had nearly 2,500 first time applicants for the program. This year, they're already at more than 4,000.

Director of energy resources Mary Knittle said heating costs are still extremely high and this winter started with a lot of anxiety from customers because of the high prices.

"I think the anxiety is higher than it’s ever been before, and therefore that causes stress on clients," Knittle said. "Our staff have been working very, very hard. A lot of folks are working evenings and weekends to try and meet the demand. We want to make sure people’s applications get processed as soon as possible."

Knittle said households of four people can earn up to $81,000 and still participate in program. People can visit WCAC.net to apply.