CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The state's natural gas companies are seeking tremendous rate increases for this winter. For those struggling with the bills, there are a few places to find help, but acting fast is key, said Byron Harris, head of the consumer advocate division of the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

"Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot," Harris said. "Whatever people can do to their homes, do it now."

On Aug. 1, West Virginia's natural gas utilities filed for rate increases with the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

The state's largest provider, Mountaineer Gas, is asking for a 42 percent increase. If approved, an average customer would pay $229.19 a month. Last winter's bill was $116.16.

Other large increase proposals come from: Equitable Gas, 46 percent; Hope Gas, 43 percent; Consumers Energy, 42 percent; Southern Public Service Co., 29 percent; Bluefield Gas, 28 percent; and Union Oil and Gas, 20 percent.

The consumer advocate division will ask the PSC to moderate the increases this winter, phasing in the hikes over the next two years.

"This is just what they have filed for," Harris said. "We have begun the review of these cases which involves reviewing what [price] they purchased [natural gas] at before and the projected price. It's still very much a moving target."

Whatever the case, natural gas rates are going up, he said.

For low-income residents, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources administers the low income energy assistance program (LIEP). The funds are limited - about $18 million this year. Applicants for assistance must meet income requirements - 130 percent of the poverty level - and must apply Dec. 1-12.

Applications for the assistance can be found online at www.wvinroads.org/inroads or by calling (800) 642-8589.

Also, all gas and utilities offer a 20 percent discount from December to April for certain customers. Customers must receive either Supplemental Security Income, WV WORKS or food stamps and be age 60 or older.

While a few extra funds can help if the bills are too high, West Virginians should also consider prepping their homes for the weather.

"Weather stripping is an easy, very cheap energy saver," Harris said. He also likes programmable thermostats that regulate a home's temperature automatically.

To help push energy efficiency, residents can take advantage of an upcoming sales tax holiday for energy-efficient products, Harris said.

From Sept 1-7, West Virginians will not pay state sales tax on certain Energy Star-qualified products. The products must cost under $2,500 and be for non-commercial, home or personal use

The state also has a weatherization assistance program through the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, with funding from the DHHR's LIEP program, the U.S. Department of Energy and utility partners.

Funding this year, from DHHR, totals $2.4 million, said Dan Hartwell, program manager for state's Bureau of Children and Families.

This program is targeted at the elderly, disabled and low-income residents. It serves about 1,350 homes each year, he said.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The state's natural gas companies are seeking tremendous rate increases for this winter. For those struggling with the bills, there are a few places to find help, but acting fast is key, said Byron Harris, head of the consumer advocate division of the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

"Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot," Harris said. "Whatever people can do to their homes, do it now."

On Aug. 1, West Virginia's natural gas utilities filed for rate increases with the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

The state's largest provider, Mountaineer Gas, is asking for a 42 percent increase. If approved, an average customer would pay $229.19 a month. Last winter's bill was $116.16.

Other large increase proposals come from: Equitable Gas, 46 percent; Hope Gas, 43 percent; Consumers Energy, 42 percent; Southern Public Service Co., 29 percent; Bluefield Gas, 28 percent; and Union Oil and Gas, 20 percent.

The consumer advocate division will ask the PSC to moderate the increases this winter, phasing in the hikes over the next two years.

"This is just what they have filed for," Harris said. "We have begun the review of these cases which involves reviewing what [price] they purchased [natural gas] at before and the projected price. It's still very much a moving target."

Whatever the case, natural gas rates are going up, he said.

For low-income residents, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources administers the low income energy assistance program (LIEP). The funds are limited - about $18 million this year. Applicants for assistance must meet income requirements - 130 percent of the poverty level - and must apply Dec. 1-12.

Applications for the assistance can be found online at www.wvinroads.org/inroads or by calling (800) 642-8589.

Also, all gas and utilities offer a 20 percent discount from December to April for certain customers. Customers must receive either Supplemental Security Income, WV WORKS or food stamps and be age 60 or older.

While a few extra funds can help if the bills are too high, West Virginians should also consider prepping their homes for the weather.

"Weather stripping is an easy, very cheap energy saver," Harris said. He also likes programmable thermostats that regulate a home's temperature automatically.

To help push energy efficiency, residents can take advantage of an upcoming sales tax holiday for energy-efficient products, Harris said.

From Sept 1-7, West Virginians will not pay state sales tax on certain Energy Star-qualified products. The products must cost under $2,500 and be for non-commercial, home or personal use

The state also has a weatherization assistance program through the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, with funding from the DHHR's LIEP program, the U.S. Department of Energy and utility partners.

Funding this year, from DHHR, totals $2.4 million, said Dan Hartwell, program manager for state's Bureau of Children and Families.

This program is targeted at the elderly, disabled and low-income residents. It serves about 1,350 homes each year, he said.

However, there is about a two-year waiting period for work, he said.

People can apply for

the program through

local community action agencies. A list of the agencies

can be found at http://www.wvf.state.wv.us/oeo/WVWAPProviders.htm or by calling 304-558-8860.

For Harris, preparing for the worst and saving now can help residents when the gas bills arrive, he said.

"If you wait until you get your first bill [to prepare], you are going to be faced with a $200 to $300 bill," he said.

Reach Sarah K. Winn at sarahkw...@wvgazette.com or 348-5156.

Bills increasing

Rate increases, by percent, sought by West Virginia gas utilities

Mountaineer Gas  42%

Equitable Gas 46

Hope Gas 43

Consumers Energy 42

Southern Public Service Co. 29

Bluefield Gas 28

Union Oil and Gas 20