The following report by Call 4 Action reporter Meghan Jones first aired Oct. 19, 2005, on Channel 4 Action News at 6 p.m.

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An unusually cold winter season is expected. Your home heating bill is also expected to be high.

Equitable Gas has already pledged $2 million toward low-income energy assistance.

Gov. Ed Rendell wants Washington to kick in more money for the federal low income heating assistance program, LIHEAP.

If not, he says he'll ask the state to donate an additional $15 million.

After the governor's announcement Wednesday, we spoke to representatives of each of the three major energy companies locally, plus one woman who says her estimated bill has already gone up too much.

"I think one of the things that is most important is that Dominion Peoples and the other utilities must continue to work with customers on a one-on-one basis," said Elmore Lockley of Dominion Peoples Gas.

"We hope that some of these solutions will turn into long-term solutions because obviously we have a problem that extends beyond this heating system but into the future as well," said Rob Boulware of Columbia Gas.

Nancy Kinney received her first estimated budget payment from Equitable Gas. She said it has gone up 94 percent.

"Mine went up $62. I was paying $67. Now it's $129, and I think that's excessive," said Kinney.

Her payments were $100 a month the previous year.

Dave Spigelmyer from Equitable Gas says they are basing their estimates in part on cold weather projections.

"A lot of customers have seen a fairly dramatic increase in their budget plans, because it's been primarily, you know, last year was considerably warmer than normal. When we allocate budgets this year, we're trying to allocate it on a normal basis," said Spigelmyer.

"I think they're using the hurricanes as an excuse. I think other consumers need to look at their bill to see how much they're being charged," said Kinney.

The governor may also ask the public utility commission to force utility companies to allow those facing utility shut-off a second chance to take part in a payment plan.

If you want more information about conservation or assistance programs in Pennsylvania, the governor's office launched a new web site on Tuesday: staywarmPA.com.