Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration, in conjunction with the state Public Utility Commission announced commitments from Pennsylvania utility companies to not shut off heat and electricity in November for households eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The move comes as the start of the LIHEAP season is delayed until Dec. 3 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Typically, the state’s winter shutoff moratorium begins Dec. 1, but utilities agreed to begin protections early this year to ensure low-income families aren’t left without power or heat.

About 300,000 Pennsylvania households rely on LIHEAP each winter. The program, which provides federally funded assistance for home heating costs, cannot operate until federal funding resumes.

Pennsylvanians in need of immediate help can contact their utility provider, visit pa-navigate.org, or call 211 for local resources.