Press Release

HARRISBURG – The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and the  Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today marked the first day to apply for 2004 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds.
 
The Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman joined PUC Commissioners Kim Pizzingrilli and Wendell F. Holland and Columbia Gas at the Heinz Menaker Senior Center in Harrisburg to kickoff the 2004 LIHEAP application period.

“We are committed to informing Pennsylvania consumers of opportunities available to assist them in responding to higher natural gas prices,” said Commissioner Pizzingrilli.  “LIHEAP and utility  consumer assistance programs, coupled with conservation and weatherization efforts, will enable Pennsylvanians to be among the most prepared to respond to increased natural gas prices this winter.”

 Commissioner Holland said, “As the cold weather approaches, it is important for Pennsylvania families who need assistance contact their local utility, call the Commission’s toll free number, 1-888-PUC-FACT or access the Utility Choice Web site and click on the “Prepare Now” natural gas flame icon.  Additionally, consumers may receive valuable assistance from their local county assistance offices to find out about other programs that are available.”
 
To help consumers, the PUC and the Council for Utility Choice launched a campaign to urge consumers to “Prepare Now for High Winter Gas Prices.” Consumers can visit www.utilitychoice.org to gather information on how to manage the cost of natural gas this winter, conserving heat and energy, budget billing, and low-income assistance programs or call 1-888-PUC-FACT.
 
The Web site and phone number are among several different consumer-education outreach tools developed to help consumers prepare for the high cost of winter heating bills. LIHEAP helps low-income individuals pay their home heating bills through energy assistance grants. The federally funded LIHEAP, administered by the DPW, helps low income people pay their heating bills through energy assistance grants. 

To receive an application, people can call the toll-free LIHEAP hotline at (866) 857-7095 or visit their local County Assistance Offices

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.