
Pittsburgh's cold snap is leaving some with utility bills they can't afford. Here's how you can get help.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburghers' gas and electric bills are likely showing some spikes after last month's winter blast. It may have some people wondering how they're going to afford to pay their bills.
Chad Quinn, the CEO of the Dollar Energy Fund, says people shouldn't be embarrassed to ask for help.
"What we try to tell people is to contact your utility company, ask them, 'What programs are available for me?' Again, it could be something as simple as a budget. There's no embarrassment in asking for that," Quinn said.
The Dollar Energy Fund is a nonprofit that was started in Pittsburgh and has expanded to many different states.
"For a family of four making $64,000 or less, that is about 200% of the federal poverty guideline, that is a family Dollar Energy Fund can help," Quinn said.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission requires utilities to have programs to help people struggling to pay their bills. There are a lot of programs and organizations like Dollar Energy Fund.
So where do you start? First call your utility company. Did you know they will happily set you up on a payment plan?
"What I'd like to stress for everyone is utility companies do not want to turn people off. They want to find a way to help you, and they're willing to connect you with programs," Quinn said.
After you call your utility company, you can also reach out to the Dollar Energy Fund and Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for help.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
New wheels for CT city mobile library has focus on reaching underserved communities
When The Hartford Public Library launched its new Library on Wheels, it made clear the goal was reaching Hartford residents in their communities. But Bridget E. Quinn, the president and CEO of the Hartford Public Library said The Library on Wheels is much more too. It's a rolling hub of learning and community engagement and it's a learning vehicle that is expected to make weekly trips across the city with a special focus on underserved communities. 'We have had mobile service at Hartford library for a number of years, but we are so excited that today we get to show you (this),' Quinn said at the launch at Bushnell Park. 'It's the state-of-the-art mobile library that brings books, technology and services and our fabulous outreach staff to our Hartford community.' Quinn said the van is more than a mobile library but 'a symbol of accessibility, inclusivity and opportunity.' 'Mobile and outreach services allow us to reach people where they are, creating stronger connections and more opportunities for learning,' Quinn said. The Library on Wheels will visit local schools, community centers and public events and the Library on Wheels will be full of books and materials. The Library on Wheels offers library card registration, programming (in collaboration with hosts), library books (English and Spanish), free books, DVDs, CDs (no card required), information on library events and services and other library materials. 'We believe that access to knowledge and opportunity should never be limited by geography,' Quinn said. 'We are building a library system that is as mobile, flexible and inclusive as the community we serve.' Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said The Hartford Public Library is among the best in the country. 'The Hartford Public Library calls itself a place like no other and it's true,' Arulampalam said. 'It's been for over 250 years, and it continues to innovate. Libraries are no longer repositories for books; they are social hubs for our community. People come here for all sorts of needs in their life,' Arulampalam said. 'But in addition to our library being a community living room, the library has taken their books out of the four walls of the library and into the community…We are so excited to have this Library on Wheels.' Quinn thanked the support of the city of Hartford, Hartford Public Works, the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund, Action Glass (East Hartford) and Gengras Motor Cars. The Hartford Public Library was founded as the Library Company in 1774. The library has seven full-service locations, two Boundless Library locations, and multiple outreach services, including the Library on Wheels and Story Stash and a 24-7 pickup locker.


Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Boston Globe
N.H. State Police buying AI-powered drone detection system to monitor airspace over mass gatherings
Advertisement 'This system will address emerging security threats, protect critical infrastructure, safeguard public events, and enhance emergency response capabilities,' he wrote. Get N.H. Morning Report A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox. Enter Email Sign Up This technology will be new to the New Hampshire State Police, but it comes from a company that has been providing similar services to other states. Dedrone Holdings Inc. — which was The ' Advertisement New Hampshire's five-member Executive Council approved the $275,000 purchase on Wednesday, without discussion. Quinn referred follow-up questions to a department spokesperson, Tyler P. Dumont, who said the money is coming from federal Homeland Security grant funds. While the use of surveillance and emerging technologies by law enforcement always leads to questions about the protection of civil liberties, Dumont said state personnel will aim to use the Dedrone tool in a way that enhances public safety without infringing on the privacy or legal rights of individuals and drone operators. 'We will implement safeguards to ensure that any usage of AI is supplemented by human review and verification, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations,' he said. What's more, the drone detection system is a monitoring tool that won't be used to disable any aircraft deemed a potential threat, he added. Steven Porter can be reached at


CBS News
5 days ago
- CBS News
PHOTOS: A look at some of the merchandise available at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club
Local News PHOTOS: A look at some of the merchandise available at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club Mike Darnay / KDKA The headwear section inside the merchandise pavilion at Oakmont Country Club for the 125th playing of the U.S. Open offers numerous options. The entrance to the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion Mike Darnay / KDKA The merchandise pavilion at Oakmont Country Club at the U.S. Open next week consists of 35,000 square feet of retail space with more than 500,000 items available for purchase. T-shirts at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion Mike Darnay / KDKA The t-shirts section inside the merchandise pavilion at Oakmont Country Club for the 125th playing of the U.S. Open offers numerous options. One of the U.S. Open's merchandise pavilion's signature items Mike Darnay / KDKA One of the signature items at the U.S. Open's merchandise pavilion at Oakmont Country Club is a red, white, and blue sweatshirt. Women's items at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion Mike Darnay / KDKA The U.S. Open's merchandise pavilion at Oakmont Country Club includes a large selection of items for women. T-shirts at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion Mike Darnay / KDKA A large selection of t-shirts are on display at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion at Oakmont Country Club. A nod to Pittsburgh at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion Mike Darnay / KDKA A black-and-gold U.S. Open themed jersey is among the merchandise options at Oakmont Country Club that pay homage to Pittsburgh. Sunglasses at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion Mike Darnay / KDKA A large selection of sunglasses are on display at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion at Oakmont Country Club. Peter Millar items at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion Mike Darnay / KDKA Peter Millar is the official outfitter of the USGA and offer a number of items inside the merchandise pavilion at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. Peter Millar items at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion Mike Darnay / KDKA Peter Millar is the official outfitter of the USGA and offer a number of items inside the merchandise pavilion at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. Headwar at the U.S. Open merchandise pavilion Mike Darnay / KDKA The headwear section inside the merchandise pavilion at Oakmont Country Club for the 125th playing of the U.S. Open offers numerous options.