PA Environment Digest Blog: PUC Urges Utility Customers To Reach Out Early For Heating Bill Payment Options, Assistance Programs, Read About Energy Saving Tips

On January 12, as Pennsylvania moves into the coldest part of the winter, the Public Utility Commission is reminding consumers that December electric and natural gas bills are now arriving in mailboxes, and, for some households, those bills may be noticeably higher than expected.

Higher winter energy usage driven by colder weather — combined with energy price changes that took effect in December — can result in significant month-to-month changes in utility bills, even for households that have not experienced affordability challenges in the past.

Historically, January and February are the months when home energy bills tend to peak, due largely to increased heating demand.

The PUC is encouraging consumers who are concerned about their utility bills to call their utility company now to discuss available options.

Utilities can help customers explore payment arrangements, budget billing, and assistance programs that may help manage winter energy costs before a bill becomes unmanageable.

“You’re not alone,” the PUC emphasized. “Many households across Pennsylvania are feeling the impact of colder weather and higher winter energy use — including families who may be encountering affordability concerns for the first time and may not know where to turn.”

Call Utilities Now: A First Step to Support

Calling your utility is often the fastest way to get connected with available resources, including:

-- Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) offered by utilities for eligible households.

-- Budget billing plans that help smooth seasonal highs and lows.

-- Payment arrangements to avoid service disruption.

Utility representatives can also help direct consumers to additional state and local resources.

LIHEAP and Other Assistance Programs

Consumers struggling with heating bills are also encouraged to explore the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides help with winter heating costs for eligible households.

LIHEAP grants can help pay for heating bills and may also provide crisis assistance in certain situations.

Information about LIHEAP eligibility and application options is available through the Department of Human Services and local assistance offices.

Ways to Save Energy and Manage Winter Bills

Small steps can make a meaningful difference during the heating season. The PUC encourages consumers to consider these practical ways to save energy and manage winter utility costs:

-- Set thermostats carefully. Lowering your thermostat a few degrees when you are asleep or away from home can reduce heating costs.

-- Seal drafts. Check doors and windows for gaps and use weatherstripping or draft blockers to keep warm air inside.

-- Use space heaters safely — and sparingly. If used, follow manufacturer instructions and keep heaters away from flammable materials.

-- Close unused rooms. Closing doors and vents in rarely used spaces can help focus heat where it’s needed most.

-- Change furnace filters. Clean or replace filters regularly to help heating systems run more efficiently.

-- Use window coverings wisely. Open curtains on sunny days to capture natural warmth, and close them at night to reduce heat loss.

-- Be mindful of hot water use. Shorter showers and cold-water laundry can help reduce energy consumption.

More energy efficiency and conservation tips are available at www.PAPowerSwitch.com and www.PAGasSwitch.com, which also provide educational resources to help consumers better understand their energy use.

Take Action Now — There’s More Winter Ahead

With several weeks of winter still ahead, the PUC encourages consumers not to wait if they are concerned about rising energy bills.

Weather remains one of the biggest drivers of winter utility costs, and reaching out early can open the door to support and solutions.

Consumers can learn more about managing winter energy costs, assistance programs, and energy shopping tools by visiting www.PAPowerSwitch.com and www.PAGasSwitch.com, or by contacting their utility company directly.

Click Here for the PUC announcement.

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