State P-U-C: Prep for winter now, before it gets cold

(Harrisburg) — Even though the weather isn’t very cold yet, Pennsylvania’s utility regulator says now is the time to look ahead and prepare to heat your home during those frigid months to come.

The Public Utility Commission is asking consumers to take this time to educate themselves about what resources are available to help keep the heat on this winter.

Spokesperson Denise McCracken says their first recommendation is to ask your utility provider about assistance for low-income families. Each utility company is required to have an assistance program in place.

“Pennsylvania utilities spent nearly $459 million on various consumer assistance programs just last year, and that’s not counting programs like the federal LIHEAP program, which is the Low Income Heating Assistance Program,” McCraken said.

If you do not qualify for assistance programs, but want to make your bills more predictable, McCracken says you can ask your utility about budget billing.