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MARQUETTE -- Gasoline prices are down, so are oil and natural gas.  What does that mean as we head into the winter heating season? 

The simple answer is that heating costs might be down slightly, but so is the economy.  Some people may have more difficulty paying their utility bills.

"The one thing that especially stands out is that we all know we have a very challenging economic time right now.  So we have a lot of people that are having more difficulty paying their bills," said Orjiakor Isiogu, Chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Folks may be having more difficulty, but with the help of their utility companies, it's not impossible.

"The first thing to do is call their utility.  There are programs now available to customers; particularly, they have a budget program customers can sign on to to help them levelize their bills for the year," Isiogu said.

This means avoiding the inevitable ups and downs on your bill.  Heating bills are, of course, higher in the winter months when the furnace is running, but these budget plans average your monthly bill so your payment is consistent.  Call your utility company to see if they offer the service.

"We are strongly recommending that they do not wait until they miss a payment before they contact their utility.  The moment that they know they are having trouble paying their bills, do not wait for a shut-off notice.  Call your utility right away and make some arrangement for your bills, and sign up for the Winter Protection Program," Isiogu advises.

When set up in advance, the Winter Protection Program guarantees that if you miss payment, your utility will not be turned off between November 1 and March 31.    

If you have any questions about your utility service as we head into the cold season, you're encouraged to call the Michigan Public Service Commission at (800) 292-9555.