Just as the state recovers from a weekend winter storm, the Public Utility Commission this week released the results of its annual Cold Weather Survey, which showed that about 13,762 households will enter the winter season without heat-related utility service compared to 16,051 this time last year.

"Winter is packing a hit this year as much of the state has already battled periods of colder-than-normal temperatures and then last weekend's mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain," said Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. "And thousands of our neighbors are regularly waging that battle without the use of their central-heating system because their electric or natural gas service has been terminated. While I am pleased to see the numbers decrease again this year, I urge all consumers who are without service to take action today to get help to restore and maintain service before winter's grip on the state becomes even more firm."

The PUC urges consumers without utility service to know their rights and obtain information about programs available to help them restore and maintain utility service. Consumers with a seriously ill resident in the household or a protection from abuse order may have additional options for service restoration.

Consumers should call their utility first to make arrangements to pay their bill. If they are unable to reach an agreement with the utility, the PUC may be able to provide assistance. The PUC can be reached toll-free at 1-800-692-7380.

Every December, the PUC releases its cold weather survey results, which assess the number of households without heat-related service entering the winter months. As part of the survey, the PUC requires natural gas and electric utilities to check residential properties where service has been shut off. Contact is attempted through both telephone calls and in-person visits to the homes.

Homes using potentially unsafe heating sources also are counted because the home is not relying on a central heating system. According to the National Fire Protection Association, potentially unsafe sources of heat include kerosene heaters, kitchen stoves or ovens, electric space heaters, fireplaces and connecting extension cords to neighbors' homes.

An additional 3,095 residences are using potentially unsafe heating sources, bringing the total homes not using a central heating system to 16,857, according to the 2007 survey. The total number was 19,745 in 2006.

The 2007 survey results also show that as of December 15:

· 3,815 residential households remain without electric service; 11,468 residences where service was terminated now appear to be vacant; and 77 households are heating with potentially unsafe heating sources. The total electric residences without safe heating are 3,892;

· 9,947 residential households that heat with natural gas are without service; 5,826 residences where service was terminated now appear to be vacant; and 3,018 households are heating with potentially unsafe heating sources. The total natural gas residences without safe heating are 12,965; and

· PGW reported that 5,552 households that heat with natural gas are without service - the highest number of all utilities. About 7,043 or 42 percent of the total off accounts that have no service live in the Philadelphia area.

In a December 11 letter sent to electric and natural gas utilities under its jurisdiction, the PUC asked the utilities to join the PUC in reaching out and educating consumers.

The Commission's "Prepare Now" outreach campaign appeals to consumers on limited or fixed incomes to call their utility about special programs such as Customer Assistance Programs and Low Income Usage Reduction Programs to help heat their homes and pay their energy bills. The letter also stresses the importance of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the impact the program has on helping low-income consumers restore and maintain service.

Consumers on limited or fixed incomes should call their utility about special programs such as CAPs and LIURP to help heat their homes and pay their energy bills.

Every major utility offers a CAP, under which qualifying low-income customers pay discounted bills. Qualification in the CAP program is based on household size and gross household income. LIURP helps consumers lower the amount of electricity or natural gas used each month. The company may install energy saving features in your home to help reduce bills.

Consumers should call their utility to inquire about such programs. If a consumer continues to have questions, they should then call the PUC toll-free at 1-800-692-7380.

In addition, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may have funds available to help eligible customers have service restored. For more information, please contact your local County Assistance Office or contact the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095. An informational brochure also is available.

NewsClip: Region Homes Without Heat Up in 07

Op-Ed: How to Better Stay Warm This Winter – Shipley

12/21/2007