Title: PA Low-Income Utility Assistance Programs – RHLS
Headings: PA Low-Income Utility Assistance Programs
PA Low-Income Utility Assistance Programs
See the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website for your utility company’s programs that may assist you.
Budget Billing
Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services Program (CARES)
Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)
Hardship Funds
Telephone Assistance Programs for Local Calling

Content: The goal of Budget Billing is to even out your monthly utility bills so that you don’t have very high bills in one season (for instance, to heat your home in winter), and then very low bills in another season (for instance, in spring, when you need neither heating nor air conditioning). With Budget Billing, the utility company takes your total annual utility costs and divides that total evenly across all twelve months of the year, so that you make regular payments each month. This can help you plan your budget with greater accuracy, because your utility payments won’t change month to month. The utility company can adjust the amount of your monthly payments up to four times a year to compensate for higher or lower actual usage in your home. Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
If you are having trouble paying your utilities, CAP can lower your monthly utility bills. Your income situation will be evaluated and, if you qualify, CAP will calculate your bills based on a percentage of your income or on a discounted rate so that your monthly payments will be lowered. Some CAPs also include the forgiveness of outstanding past debts. In order to continue receiving CAP benefits, you need to make full and timely payment of ongoing CAP bills. Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services Program (CARES)
CARES can help you by linking you up with local social service agencies and assistance programs. These local resources will then work with you to address the underlying problems that are preventing you from making prompt payment of utility bills.