Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now.

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is now reminding consumers in Pennsylvania that as the state moves into the coldest part of the winter,that December electric and natural gas bills are now arriving in mailboxes, and those bills may be noticeably higher than expected for some households. According to a recent release in Harrisburg from the PUC, here is some more information regarding options for payment, tips for saving energy and assistance programs:

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 Pennsylvania 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 PAPowerSwitch and PAGasSwitch, or by contacting their utility company directly.