The Department of Public Welfare has kicked off the start of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program application process for the 2014-2015 season.

LIHEAP provides assistance for home heating bills to keep low-income Pennsylvanians warm and safe during the winter months.

Aid is available to renters and homeowners.

Online applications can be completed by visiting compass.state.pa.us.

Paper applications are still available through local county assistance offices or interested applicants can download and print an application from the department's website.

For helpful tips on keeping warm throughout the winter while saving money on utility costs, visit energysavers.gov.

For more information on the LIHEAP program, or to download an application, visit the Department of Public Welfare website at dpw.state.pa.us and click on "For Adults."

PPL

HELP fund monies donated

PPL Electric Utilities will receive a $250,000 donation, with $200,000 of the total going to the utility's Operation HELP hardship fund. The monies provide emergency financial aid to pay heating bills for families with financial hardship.

The remaining $50,000 will be divided among 10 social service organizations.

"We've always believed we play a role that goes beyond being the electric delivery company for central and eastern Pennsylvania," Gregory N. Dudkin, company president, said. "Our employees live, work and volunteer in the communities we serve and we feel an obligation to help where we can."