Winter is approaching and the cost to keep homes warm continues to rise.

Public utilities are also scheduled to adjust their seasonal energy supply prices – and they, too, will go up for most customers.

But there is some help available for qualified low-income homeowners and renters through the annual Low Income Energy Assistance Program.

And for those who don’t meet the guidelines for financial assistance programs, the state’s Public Utilities Commission offers some tips to help individuals conserve energy and save money.

LIHEAP began accepting applications for cash and crisis grants, and will continue to do so through April 28.

The federally-funded program is administered by Department of Human Services and help is distributed directly to a household’s utility company or home heating fuel provider in the form of a grant, so individuals do not have to repay.

“Nobody should ever have to worry that their heat will be shut off during the coldest and darkest months of the year, so I encourage anyone who may need help, or anyone who has loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this program, to apply for LIHEAP today,” Pennsylvania Department of Human Services deputy Secretary Inez Titus said.

The income limit for the program is 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit. For an individual, it translates to a gross income of $20,385 per year, and for a family of four, it is a gross income of $41,625 per year.

Grants range from $300 to $1,000. During the 2021-22 season, 112,029 Pennsylvania households received a total of $73,027,268 from the program. The average payment was $596. To apply for LIHEAP, visit www.compass.state.pa.us or call 1-866-550-4355.

Electric prices

Electric and natural gas distribution companies are changing their Price to Compare for residential customers on Dec. 1. The PTC is the price customers pay for generation if they continue to buy from their local distribution companies, and is in addition to the cost of energy they use each month.

On average, it is between 40 and 60 percent of total utility bills.

All Pennsylvania regulated electric utilities will adjust their PTCs at the beginning of the month for residential non-shopping customers, including PPL customers who will see their PTCs increase from 12.366 cents to 14.612 cents per kilowatt hour.

According to the PUC, the PTC is not always a stable price and can vary quarterly. Customers looking for more stability in their electric rates can choose a new supplier by visiting www.PAPowerSwitch.com.

Natural gas customers might have also seen price adjustments in their PTCs, which typically average between 40 to 60 percent of total utility bills. They can visit the PUC’s natural gas shopping website at PAGasSwitch.com.

The PUC noted that those struggling with their bills should call their electric, natural gas, water, wastewater or telecommunications providers. They can also visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov/ and click on #CallUtilitiesNow to learn about financial assistance programs.