Energy costs, particularly in the older housing stock found in many areas of Pennsylvania, can be a huge burden on both renters and homeowners around the state. Weatherization programs can help to reduce energy costs by boosting energy efficiency, and many developers are adopting green building standards such as LEED certification to boost efficiency to not only reduce costs but also environmental impact.

For those in need, many programs exist to help offset high utility costs. The Federal government provides the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program while many utility companies also offer assistance. If you live in federally subsidized housing, a utility allowance is given in addition to rent to help cover reasonable utility bills.