Energy Assistance Programs

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offers assistance with heat to people who qualify. Below are some of the programs offered. For details, you can go to the website at www.puc.state.pa.

Budget Billing—All residential customers may contact their electric or natural gas company and request budget billing at any time. Each monthly bill will be the same amount. The company may adjust the bill four times a year, up or down, depending on the customer’s usage.

Customer Assistance Program (CAPS)—Can lower your monthly utility bill and may also remove the amount already owed. The company works with the customer to determine what the customer can pay versus the cost of energy used.

Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Program (CARES)— Helps customers with special needs such as family emergencies, divorce, unemployment, or medical emergencies.

Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)—Helps low-income residential customers lower the amount of electricity or natural gas used each month. This could include the installation of energy-saving features in the home to reduce bills.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—Federal program that provides financial assistance to needy households for home energy bills.

Hardship Funds—Provide payments directly to utility companies on behalf of eligible customers.

This article is reprinted from H.O.P.E. Lifeline (January, 2017) – monthly newsletter distributed by H.O.P.E. Click here to view the full newsletter. If you would like to receive the newsletter by e-mail each month, you may subscribe today (no cost or obligation and you may unsubscribe at any time).