MORGANTOWN — Even though West Virginians could see lower heating bills this winter, the Public Service Commission is urging people to contact their utility providers now about getting on a budget plan.
“No one likes to see a spike on his or her utility bill when heating or cooling season starts,” PSC Chairman Charlotte Lane said in a release. “Budget billing helps consumers plan from month-to-month without worrying about how seasonal changes in usage can affect their bills.”
All area utility providers offer budget plans to customers. Typically, to get on a budget plan, a customer simply needs to call the utility and make the request.
“It’s the perfect time,” said Rita Black, director of customer relations for Peoples Gas.
A utility will review the heating and cooling bill and establish usage history, anticipated energy prices and the average monthly bill. Many plans are adjusted each year, while others are adjusted more frequently because of fuel costs. Specifics vary from company to company, the PSC said.
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is federal money administered through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
Still, the state and other organizations offer financial assistance to residents who may have trouble with their utility bills during the winter or summer months. These include:
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is federal money administered through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
- Customers can call “211” — a statewide information and referral network that can tell customers what assistance is available in their local communities. www.wv211.org.
- Dollar Energy is a nonprofit organization that solicits donations to help people pay utility bills. www.dollarenergy.org.
In August, the PSC said natural gas costs will be lower and gas utilities are passing the reduced rate along to customers.
According to the PSC, gas utilities file a “Purchase Gas Adjustment” before the commission and no profit is included. Utilities, however, are legally allowed to recover their gas purchase costs.
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