In a recent advisory dated November 15, the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission has brought to the attention of consumers a forthcoming reset in utility prices for electric and gas, scheduled for December 1. We are also going to tell you about how to apply for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assistance, which are designed to help the neediest families in the United States, who have problems paying their utility bills.
As the reset date approaches, consumers are presented with the opportunity to explore alternative suppliers for their electricity and natural gas needs, potentially unlocking ways for cost savings. Additionally, amidst these adjustments, there exists a support program designed to assist customers grappling with utility bills challenges, the LIHEAP program, as previously mentioned.
Energy Bills in Pennsylvania Are About to Change
Electricity: With the winter heating season looming, electric distribution companies in Bucks County are poised to enact modifications in their Price to Compare (PTC) specifically for residential customers. Here’s an overview of the expected changes:
- Citizens’ Electric: Anticipated decrease from 13.333 cents to 10.964 cents per kWh (-18%)
- Duquesne Light: Estimated decrease from 11.45 cents to 10.46 cents per kWh (-8.6%)
- Met-Ed: Increase from 10.24 cents to 11.306 cents per kWh (10.4%)
- PECO: Expected decrease from 9.672 cents to 8.919 cents per kWh (-7.8%)
- Penelec: Increase from 9.703 cents to 10.607 cents per kWh (9.3%)
- Penn Power: Increase from 10.556 cents to 11.231 cents per kWh (6.4%)
- Pike Co. Light & Power: Increase from 7.3005 cents to 8.67 cents per kWh (18.8%)
- PPL: Decrease from 12.126 cents to 11.028 cents per kWh (-9%)
- UGI Electric: Decrease from 12.128 cents to 10.26 cents per kWh (-15.4%)
- Wellsboro Electric: Decrease from 12.393 cents to 9.206 cents per kWh (-25.7%)
- West Penn Power: Increase from 9.929 cents to 10.001 cents per kWh (1%)
Gas Prices Are Also Set to Change in Pennsylvania
In the autumn season, a number of natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs) in Pennsylvania have undertaken revisions to their Price to Compare (PTC) specifically for non-shopping customers. Much like the electric sector, the PTC holds substantial weight, typically ranging from 40% to 60%, as indicated by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Here are the alterations in PTC for Residential Customers:
- Columbia Gas of PA: Decrease from $0.46849 to $0.2881 per therm (-38.5%)
- National Fuel Gas: Increase from $0.30959 to $0.3674 per Ccf (18.6%)
- Peoples Natural Gas Co.: Increase from $1.2337 to $3.08 per Mcf (149%)
- Peoples Gas Co. LLC: Increase from $1.2337 to $3.08 per Mcf (149%)
- Valley Energy: Decrease from $0.94342 to $0.33758 per Ccf (-64.2%)
- Changes in the prices to compare for PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works and UGI Utilities are anticipated on Dec. 1, but are not yet available, according to the PUC.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania
To seek financial assistance for heating bills, eligible consumers in Pennsylvania can turn to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program provides a cash grant ranging from $300 to $1,000, offering valuable relief for heating-related expenses.
To initiate the application process for LIHEAP, individuals can conveniently visit COMPASS (compass.state.pa.us), the dedicated online platform for Pennsylvanians. Here, they can assess their eligibility or opt to download, print, fill out, and submit a paper application to their local county assistance office. Notably, the Bucks County Assistance Office is situated at 1214 Veterans Highway in Bristol, reachable at 215-781-3393, while the Montgomery County Assistance Office, Norristown District, is located at 1931 New Hope Street in Norristown, and can be contacted at 610-272-1752.