BOSTON -- If the weather doesn't give us a break this winter, Beacon Hill leaders are proposing tax credits to help with those spiking fuel bills.

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported Friday that whether it's oil, natural gas, or electric, Massachusetts families are facing one of the most expensive winters ever, and many need help.

The House and Senate passed a bill granting up to $600 in tax credits for anyone who invests in energy efficiency products, such as home insulation, new windows and advanced thermostats.

"People are really concerned about their energy savings this year. We've already seen an increase in traffic and people being concerned about it. This can only help us," Woodside Ace Hardware's Paul Leavy said.

The bill, which still requires the governor's approval, also allows up to $800 in tax deductions for home heating oil and natural gas bills.

Only individuals making less than $50,000 a year and couples making less than $75,000 annually would qualify. Officials estimate that this winter, the average family will have to spend $400 more for home heating oil and $800 more for natural gas because of higher costs -- primarily due to the hurricanes along the Gulf Coast.

Another provision authorizes $20 million in direct grants -- up to $545 dollars for gas and electrically heated homes and up to $675 to owners using oil or propane. The grants are available to families earning less than $39,000 a year and individuals making less than $19,000.

"Mainly, it's that person who is working every day, paying their taxes, trying to survive and keep their head above water," East Boston APAC's John White said.