It's Take Charge Thursday, and while it's still beautiful outside, this week we're talking about your winter heating bill.

Experts say now is the time to start thinking about how much energy you use and whether you'll need help paying your bill.

Local agencies expect that this year they'll see yet another increase in need in our area, as many people start to run out of their unemployment benefits right as winter weather hits.

They say it's vital that people who will need help start asking for it soon.

Sabrina Lopez says as a single mother of two, independence is key.

“I was one of those who didn't want to ask for help, but it gets to that point where you need to… My gas bill was running $400 a month in the winter time, so it was kind of over our limit here,” Lopez said.

So she turned to Real Services, who helped pay for some of her bills through the energy assistance program; and very importantly, made sure her family wouldn't go without heat.

“Once the utility companies are notified, then they're protected under a moratorium from disconnection from December 1st to March 15th,” said Ingrid Simmons, Director of the Energy Assistance Program at Real Services.

Then, Lopez found out about a longer-term solution: Real Services’ weatherization program, which everyone in EAP is eligible for.

The program did some major work to bring her heating costs down.

“The average price per home has increased, it's up to $5,000. We'll be able to put more in each house,” said Rich Gadacz with the weatherization program.

The program just got $2.6 million dollars in stimulus money which they plan to spend in Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties by May.

“President Obama’s plan was to put people to work and that’s what we're doing. We're taking on contractors that are slow and we're taking on some employees that don't have work,” Gadacz said.

Right now, the program has a long waiting list.

“Anybody that wants to sign up shouldn't wait until the first cold day of the year. You need to get in and get on the waiting list now. If you come in November, you're not going to get served this winter,” Gadacz said.

But if you can get the help, it makes a big difference on big bills.

“It was a lot warmer downstairs we didn’t have to wear layers of clothes anymore… It helped a lot hopefully this summer this winter is going to be a lot better,” Lopez said.

The EAP is open to anyone living at 150% of the poverty level, which is an annual income of $21,855 for a family of 2. The family can make $5,610 dollars more for each additional member.

Even if you don't meet the financial requirements for the real services program, this may be a good time to weatherize your home anyway.

Experts say contractors are still slow, and may give you a good bid.

There are also tax credits available to anyone who does energy improvements to their home, follow the link below for more information.

NIPSCO also has a program called "Energy Harvest" that offers rebates if you replace your natural gas appliances, there’s a link below. http://www.nipsco.nisource.com/energyprograms/index.htm

If you think you will have trouble paying your heating bill this year, utility companies say its important to contact them as soon as possible. Contact your provider at the numbers or through their websites:

NIPSCO:1-800-4-NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726)

Indiana Michigan Power (AEP):
Indiana - 1-800-311-4634
Michigan - 1-800-311-6424

Midwest Energy Cooperative: 1-800-492-5989

There are many social service agencies that offer assistance for utility bill payments. The United Way 2-1-1 hotline is a great resource to find which programs you may be eligible for. Many township trustees and local churches offer help, and here is a short list of area agencies that offer assistance:

Real Services: 574-233-8205 or 1-800-552-7928
Stone Soup Community: 246-0364
Salvation Army of St. Joseph County: 233-9471
United Religious Community Advocacy Center: 282-2397