INFORMATION ON SAVING MONEY ON ENERGY COSTS THIS WINTER

Harrisburg, Nov. 19, 2003 – State Sen. Connie Williams has obtained information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to assist residents in saving money on their energy bills this winter.

According to the senator, the information is just a computer mouse click away from everyone’s fingertips.

“With potentially high natural gas prices, not to mention oil and electricity, it is important for consumers to be aware of steps they can take to conserve energy and prepare for higher heating bills,” Williams said.

“The PUC has launched a campaign to raise consumer awareness about rising natural gas prices and offers information on programs to help pay bills. While this information is geared more toward the natural gas customer, it also may be useful for families who heat their homes with oil or electric.”

Some of the tips include lowering the thermostat to 65 degrees for eight hours a day. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this could help consumers save 10 percent on their heating bills. Additional tips and strategies are available at www.utilitychoice.org.

Specifically addressing natural gas customers are the suggestions to call local gas companies to enroll in budget billing programs and for people on limited or fixed incomes to learn about funds available under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and savings under the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP). PECO’s Universal Service Programs can be reached by calling (800) 774-7040. For more information on the LIURP call (800) 675-0222.

“Keep in mind that state programs, like LIHEAP, are made available for all types of energy sources for home heating and emergency repairs are also covered under a crisis grant component of the program,” Williams said.

For 2003-04, the LIHEAP program began Nov. 12. The program helps low-income Pennsylvania pay their heating bills through energy assistance grants. People do not need to have an unpaid bill to receive energy assistance and while the program is administered through the Department of Public Welfare, people do not need to qualify or be enrolled to receive this help. No lien is placed on a person’s property if they receive help.

People who qualify for LIHEAP will have a payment sent directly to the utility or fuel dealer. That payment will be credited to the individual’s bill.

To apply, people may contact their local county assistance office to set up an appointment. When applying, people will need to provide the names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and proof of income of the people in their household, and bring along a copy of a recent heating bill. Income guidelines for 2003-04 are $12,123 for an individual; $16,362 for a family of two; $24,840 for a family of four and up to $58,752 for a family of 12.

For more information about LIHEAP, constituents may call either of Williams’ offices at (610) 992-9790 or (610) 853-5433. Additionally, consumers may call the local LIHEAP information line at (215) 560-1583, the statewide toll-free LIHEAP hotline at (866) 857-7095 or the TDD number at (800) 451-5886.