Robbins Hosts Seminar on Home Heating Costs

Meadville – Yesterday, State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) hosted a seminar on home heating costs for senior citizens at the headquarters of Active Aging, Inc. in Meadville.

The seminar, which focused on energy saving tips and energy assistance programs, featured presentations by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), First Energy Corp., National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. (NFG), Northwestern Rural Electric Co-operative Association, and Northwest Pennsylvania (Crawford County) Weatherization Program.

"With the colder months soon approaching, it is important that seniors living on fixed incomes plan ahead and find out what programs are available should they need assistance," said Robbins.

The seminar builds on Sen. Robbins' efforts to help low-income seniors and families with home-heating costs. Last winter -- for the first time ever -- Pennsylvania supplemented its federal LIHEAP funding to assist those in need with energy costs. Although this was one-time funding, Sen. Robbins has introduced legislation, the "Heat On Act," which would not only expand LIHEAP eligibility, but maximize Pennsylvania's share of federal funding by leveraging all available resources.

Customers are advised to contact their energy provider as soon as possible if they have an issue with their bill, need assistance, or wish to enroll in a budget billing plan (even payments spread over 12 months). Customers can contact the PUC at 1-800-PUC-1110 to help resolve billing disputes. Additionally, NWPA Weatherization, Inc. (814-425-1872), Community Action Partnership of Mercer County (724-342-6222 x111), and the City of New Castle Home Weatherization Program (724-652-4979) offer low-income families professional guidance on energy saving measures and financial assistance to weatherize homes. Information on LIHEAP enrollment is on the Department of Public Welfare's website at www.dpw.state.pa.us/LowInc/HeatAssistance. Further information is available on the Department of Aging's website at www.aging.state.pa.us, the Department of Health's website at www.health.state.pa.us, and the Department of Environmental Protection's website at www.depweb.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:

Pam Green
814-336-2760

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