To: STATE EDITORS

Contact: Chuck Ardo of the Pennsylvania Governor's Office, +1-717-783-1116

State Launches "Turn Down, Seal Off, Save Up" Campaign to Help Citizens Stretch Heating Budgets to Last All Winter

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Governor Edward G. Rendell enlisted more than 350 community leaders from across the state today to help ensure that every Pennsylvania family can safely heat their home this winter while coping with skyrocketing energy costs.

As part of the 2008 Stay Warm PA Summit, the Governor also announced $280 million in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps Pennsylvanians having trouble paying their heating bills and facing heating emergencies like shut-offs.

The state will expand eligibility for LIHEAP to Pennsylvanians earning up to $44,443 for a family of four -- an increase from 150 percent of the federal poverty level to approximately 210 percent of the federal poverty level.

"As you know, we are committed this year to helping Pennsylvanians turn down, seal off, and save up," said Governor Rendell as he addressed six other regional meetings across the state via video conference. "Energy assistance can't just mean money to help pay energy bills, it has to also include helping our fellow Pennsylvanians to conserve energy to drive down their own costs so they can stay warm all winter.

"We also know, though, that even after Pennsylvanians do all they can to use less energy, there will be people who still can't afford to pay the bill. That's why I am announcing today that we are prepared to help with $280 million in additional heating support through LIHEAP for the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians," Governor Rendell said. "As a result, nearly 80,000 more Pennsylvanians will be eligible for a LIHEAP grant to help pay their heating bills this winter, and 30,000 more Pennsylvanians will be able to receive crisis grants when they are in danger of losing their heat. That means, in total, 450,000 families are now eligible for LIHEAP grants."

The commonwealth will also increase the amount of LIHEAP grants to get more aid in the hands of Pennsylvanians. The minimum cash grant will increase from $100 to $300 and residents in need of crisis assistance will see their maximum grant rise from $300 to $800.

The Department of Public Welfare will begin awarding LIHEAP funds on Nov. 3.

A portion of the additional LIHEAP resources -- $10 million -- will come from the state's new Alternative Energy Investment Fund, which Governor Rendell signed into law in July. Drawing down these resources for LIHEAP depends on the credit market opening up to enable the energy fund bonds to be issued.

"Even with increased funding for LIHEAP, there is much work to be done at the state and local levels to ensure that no one is forced to go without heat during the winter," Governor Rendell said. "That is why we have asked community leaders and other partners to help ensure that Pennsylvanians have access to the resources they need to stay warm all winter."

Regional meetings were held in Pittsburgh, Edinboro (Erie County), Johnstown, Schnecksville (Lehigh County), York, Scranton and Philadelphia this morning. The meetings were coordinated by United Way leaders, cabinet members of the Rendell administration, and members of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

Each region formed a Stay Warm Coordinating Council that will meet regularly throughout the winter to educate community members, help with home energy solutions and, where necessary, respond to crisis situations. At the conclusion of the regional meetings, the Governor addressed participants at each of the seven locations via videoconference and listened to their recommendations.

"I am grateful for the input of our local partners, including the United Way and the AFL-CIO, who have a strong grasp of the unique challenges faced by residents of their communities," the Governor said. "Their help will ensure that we can help keep Pennsylvanians safe and warm during the coldest months."

To boost public awareness, the commonwealth launched the "Turn Down, Seal Off, Save Up" outreach campaign to encourage residents to turn down their thermostats and seal off drafts in order to save as much as $740 in annual heating costs.

The campaign's Web site, www.turnsealsave.org, includes tips on how to make a home more energy efficient, contact information for financial assistance, and an online toolkit featuring resources people and organizations can use to raise awareness in their communities.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a list of regional meeting locations and key meeting coordinators:

Philadelphia

Secretary Estelle Richman, Department of Public Welfare

Jill Michal, president & CEO, United Way of SEPA

PUC Commissioner Robert Powelson

Edinboro (Northwestern region)

Everette James, acting secretary, Department of Health

Tony Ferrito, labor liaison, United Way of Erie County

PUC Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli

Pittsburgh

Dennis Yablonsky, secretary, Department of Community & Economic Development

Bob Nelkin, CEO, United Way of Allegheny County

PUC Commissioner Ty Christy

Johnstown

Mike Hall, acting secretary, Department of Aging

Bill McKinney, president & CEO, United Way of the Laurel Highlands

York

John Hanger, acting secretary, Department of Environmental Protection

Robert Woods, executive director, United Way of York County

PUC Chairman Jim Cawley

Scranton

Sandi Vito, acting secretary, Department of Labor & Industry

Gary Drapek, president/CEO, United Way of Lackawanna County

Schnecksville (LehighValley)

Secretary Jerry Zahorchak, Department of Education

Alicia Ruiz-Orbin, manager of Community Impact, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley

PUC Commissioner Wayne Gardner

CONTACT:

Chuck Ardo

717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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