Harrisburg - As colder weather settles across Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to act early if they are worried about paying winter heating bills.

Rising energy costs, unpredictable weather, and uncertainty about federal assistance programs – including the delayed start of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), coupled with uncertainty about federal funding levels – are creating new challenges for households across the state, especially for families who have relied on LIHEAP grants to stay connected to essential utility services.

“This winter may look different for a lot of Pennsylvanians,” PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank said. “While the delayed start of LIHEAP continues to be a concern, I want to reassure families that utilities across Pennsylvania have told the PUC they have no intention of terminating service for LIHEAP-eligible customers during this current gap period. At the same time, we encourage every household to contact their utilities now – to talk about available affordability options, payment plans and other programs that can reduce stress before winter fully sets in.”

This month looks at the world through the eyes of a child, so today we look at how you can recognize National Child Safety and Protection Month, and keep the children in your life safe.

READING, Pa. - United Way of Berks County President Tammy White says the situation has become “a perfect storm,” with state and federal dollars stalled at the same time that the demand for help is rising.

“We’re not having the dollars we need to help people in our community,” White said. “The needs are increasing because people don’t have the support systems they’re accustomed to.”

According to data from United Way of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, the number of residents affected by service reductions has jumped to more than 241,000 statewide. Nearly 60% of nonprofits are expected to run out of emergency funds by the end of October.