HARRISBURG - As the temperature has dropped sharply, Pa. consumers are turning on the heat which is likely to cause an increase in their heating and electric bills.
- Pa. Office of the Attorney General anticipates that natural gas prices in the Northeast will rise 17% this winter
- Electricity prices are expected to rise by 8%
- The state attorney general and consumer advocate offer 6 tips to help consumers manage energy costs
A news release from the Pa. Office of Attorney General (OAG) anticipates that natural gas prices in the Northeast will rise 17% this winter compared to last year. Prices for electricity are predicted to rise by 8%.
It's why officials are educating consumers on how to protect themselves against high energy bills.
“We want all consumers, but especially our seniors, to know that there are assistance programs available to help pay heating and electric bills,” Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a written statement, adding that no one should have to be concerned about staying warm in winter.
As the cost of natural gas has soared, the state Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) also urges people to pay attention to costs.
“It is important that consumers understand their bills, actions they can take to reduce usage, and the programs available to those in need of assistance.”Consumer Advocate Patrick Cicero
“It is important that consumers understand their bills, actions they can take to reduce usage, and the programs available to those in need of assistance,” Consumer Advocate Patrick Cicero said.
Here are some ways provided by the OAG and OCA to keep costs down this winter:
Sign up for budget billing
By spreading out costs over the course of the year, this program can assist in balancing out seasonal increases. Your annual usage will determine your monthly payment. To learn more, contact the electric and gas companies in your area.
Review the contracts with your natural gas and electricity providers
Be sure to check your contract's pricing terms to see if the prices are fixed for the winter if you are currently enrolled with a competitive supplier instead of your utility provider.
Contact your provider directly if you are unsure of the contract type you have. Contact the OCA toll-free at 1-800-684-6560. with questions on finding a competitive supplier or how to switch suppliers and how to get back to default service.
For more information on purchasing, visit the Office of Consumer Advocate’s website.
Weatherize your home with inexpensive or free conservation methods
- Install door sweeps
- Consider weather-resistant windows and doors
- Seal cracks around windows and doors
- Use a heater cover to preserve your electric hot water heater
Check out your eligibility for assistance through the Weatherization Assistance Program under the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Join the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The LIHEAP grant program was created to help customers with low and fixed incomes pay their heating bills. Apply for LIHEAP now through April 28, 2023. Grants range from $300 to $1,000 depending on the size, type, and income of the household.
For more information on LIHEAP, visit the program website.
To confirm your eligibility for assistance programs, contact your utility company
To find out more about potential company-specific assistance, contact the distribution company that handles your natural gas and electricity. Customer assistance programs, usage reduction programs and hardships programs are offered by some utilities and are managed by local nonprofits.
Be wary of utility-related scams
Customers should be mindful of unsolicited telemarketing calls that sound too good to be true, use ambiguous language or come from callers identifying themselves as representatives of a public utility.
Maintain the confidentiality of your account numbers and bills, and make sure the correct provider is listed as your utility provider. An authorized representative from your utility company will not request a copy of your bill. If consumers are worried about scams, they can speak with their utility providers directly.
