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 Home Energy Assistance Program.

LIHEAP began accepting applications for cash and crisis grants and will continue through April 28, 2023. The federally funded program is administered by Department of Human Services and 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. Grants range from $300 to $1,000.

The income limit for the program is 150% 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.

To apply for LIHEAP, visit compass.state.pa.us or call 1-866-550-4355.

Electric and natural gas distribution companies changed their price to compare for residential customers Dec. 1. The price to compare is the cost customers pay for generation if they continue to buy from their local distribution companies and is an addition to the cost of energy they use each month. On average, it is between 40% and 60% of total utility bills.

All Pennsylvania-regulated electric utilities adjusted their prices to compare at the beginning of the month for residential nonshopping customers, who will see their prices to compare increase from 12.366 cents to 14.612 cents per kilowatt hour. According to the state PUC, the price to compare 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 PAPowerSwitch.com.

Natural gas customers might have also seen price adjustments in their prices to compare, which typically average between 40% to 60% of total utility bills.

Visit the PUC’s natural gas shopping website at PAGasSwitch.com for other options.

Visit the PUC’s website, puc.pa.gov, and click on #CallUtilitiesNow to learn about financial assistance programs.