The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) met with social services employees to discuss how to help low-income families pay their utility bills.

Around 100 social services workers from across the Laurel Highlands attended the seminar Tuesday to learn how to assist families.

Commission leaders said 1 in 4 utility customers in the state is low-income, so teaching those customers about budget billing and income-based assistance programs are vital, especially with the weather getting colder.

“We all know winter’s coming and preparing ahead of time, getting all the information out to make sure people can stay in their homes and stay warm throughout the winter,” said Andrew Place, The vice chairman of PUC.

PUC leaders said if customers know they are going to have trouble paying their utility bills, they should reach out to their utility companies or local social service agencies as soon as possible. That way, they can assist those customers before utility service is shut off.