Patrick Cicero and Bill Johnston-Walsh: Best defense against home heating bills is a good offense
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With rising oil and gas prices, inflation woes and the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, these winter months are proving difficult for many Pennsylvania families, especially the 50-plus community.
That’s why AARP Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate recently teamed up for a telephone town hall to answer Pennsylvanians’ questions about taking advantage of home heating programs this winter, and what our agencies are doing to help people afford their utility bills year-round.
Our conversation with folks across the commonwealth confirmed what we already knew: Everyone’s situation is different, it can be difficult to navigate the private and public sector heating assistance programs, and the best defense in combating high heating costs is a good offense.
First and foremost, Pennsylvanians should know they can get help lowering their home heating bills by contacting their local utility providers to determine whether they qualify for the expanded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which now runs through May.
With the recent passage of the federal American Rescue Plan Act, LIHEAP received a $500 million boost in additional funds. This boost is helping to extend the LIHEAP season into May 2022 while increasing the grant amounts for families and individuals.
Pennsylvanians can apply for grant assistance from LIHEAP to help pay bills and avoid loss of service. If your furnace breaks down this winter, you may also be able to get help through LIHEAP to have your furnace repaired or replaced at no cost to you. Assistance is also available through your gas and electric company. To start that process, reach out to your utility provider and ask about their assistance programs that can help lower your bills and provide assistance with energy efficiency for your home.
In addition, if you are a renter or a homeowner, there may be other assistance available with some higher income guidelines.
Your local utility company also has special discounted rates and grants for certain income-eligible customers, ways to reduce your usage such as weatherization or buying more energy efficient appliances, and much more.
We understand even this explanation may seem a bit confusing. So, we are here to help.
The Office of the Consumer Advocate attorneys and staff are advocating every day for the interests of all Pennsylvanians to ensure they have access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy and utility services at just and reasonable rates and at fair terms. We know that utility service is essential to the health and welfare of all of us and that many Pennsylvania households are struggling with rising energy and utility costs this winter.
If you have any questions or need help determining if you qualify for a utility-related program, you can call the Acting Consumer Advocate’s office toll free at 800-684-6560 or review AARP’s utility resource guide.
Patrick Cicero is Pennsylvania’s acting consumer advocate. Bill Johnston-Walsh is AARP Pennsylvania’s state director.