With Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of winter, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds the 12,202 consumers without use of a central heating system or using a potentially unsafe heating source in their homes to call about programs to help restore natural gas or electric service.

“Our mild winter to date makes it hard to think that so many in Pennsylvania are currently without use of a safe heating source,” said Commission Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “While it is good news that 39 percent more of our neighbors have access to a central heating system than in December, many of our neighbors still do not have utility service. Resources are available to help consumers restore and maintain service. With Phil predicting that winter will descend upon us in the next six weeks, I urge consumers without service to take action today.”

The PUC encourages consumers without utility service to know their rights and responsibilities. Consumers should 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.

As of Feb. 1, 2012, the total number of homes not using a central heating system was 12,202, a 39 percent reduction from the Dec. 15, 2011, total of 20,034. The information is a follow up to the annual Cold Weather Survey results. Some households may be without both electric and natural gas service, resulting in a double counting of some households.

A chart of the individual company statistics is available online. In December 2011, about 17,475 households were without heat-related utility service, with an additional 2,559 residences using potentially unsafe heating sources. The total number not using a central heating system in December 2010 was 19,657 and 13,859 in February 2011. 

This winter marks the PUC’s ninth “Prepare Now” campaign where the message is simple: “Prepare Now” for higher energy costs this winter. Learn about changes in the law related to utility terminations and reconnections and know your rights. Save money by learning how to conserve energy. Heat your home safely. Explore budget billing options. Look into programs that help low-income customers restore and maintain service. Visit www.puc.state.pa.us, and click on “Prepare Now” or call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380.