Hand turning a thermostat knob to increase savings by decreasing energy consumption. Composite image between a hand photography and a 3D background.
Pa. utilities step in as government shutdown halts heating help program
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LNP|LancasterOnline Staff
Hand turning a thermostat knob to increase savings by decreasing energy consumption. Composite image between a hand photography and a 3D background.
Pennsylvania utilities have pledged to not cut off service while the federal government shutdown has delayed a program that helps low income households pay heating bills.
However, those who anticipate having trouble paying heating bills should contact their utility now.
The application period for help from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program typically opens Nov. 1 but has been delayed this year until at least Dec. 3 as the federal government shutdown has suspended disbursement of funding that in Pennsylvania’s case is expected to total more than $200 million. In past years more than 300,000 families across the state have qualified for LIHEAP help.
With the program delayed, the state Public Utility Commission has worked with utilities to ensure service will not be suspended to any household that cannot pay its bills between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1. By law in Pennsylvania, service cannot be cut off between Dec. 1 and March 31 due to outstanding payment.
“This winter may look different for a lot of Pennsylvanians,” PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank said in announcing the agency’s work with utilities. “While the delayed start of LIHEAP continues to be a concern, I want to reassure families that utilities across Pennsylvania have told the PUC they have no intention of terminating service for LIHEAP-eligible customers during this current gap period. At the same time, we encourage every household to contact their utilities now – to talk about available affordability options, payment plans and other programs that can reduce stress before winter fully sets in.
Contact information for the primary utility energy suppliers serving Lancaster County is:
UGI Utilities: 800-276-2722, customerservice@ugi.com
PPL Electric Utilities: 800-342-5775
Met-Ed: 800-545-7741
More information about LIHEAP is available at lanc.news/liheap.
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