Representatives of local utilities joined 200 other industry representatives and consumer advocates in the nation's capital yesterday to challenge lawmakers' plans for what some fear will be as much as a $1 billion cut in funding for a federal heating assistance program.

The "Washington Action Day for LIHEAP" focused on the allocation of $1.98 billion in federal funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for fiscal year 2007, which began in October. In meetings with representatives from U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-McCandless, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and others, the advocates called for a restoration of the funding level to last year's $3.2 billion.

However, last year's total included an emergency allocation of $1 billion in the face of record gas prices and a winter that got off to an early start with brutal cold. Until recently, this winter has been milder than normal.

Moreover, even as the advocates pushed for increased funding, consumers have yet make full use of the funds that are available. "Last year, 350,000 people statewide applied for the program, but about 800,000 could have qualified," said Dominion Peoples spokesman Elmore Lockley. Nationwide, only 15 percent of 38 million eligible low-income households received federal assistance, the American Gas Association reported.

Although funded with federal dollars, the program is administered by the states. In Pennsylvania, it falls under the Department of Public Welfare. So far this year, Pennsylvania enrollments in the program have failed to keep pace with last year's. According to the DPW, there were 229,173 enrollments as of Jan. 20, down from 255,932 at the same time last year.

Columbia Gas spokesman Matt Pitzarella attributed the difference to the record warm temperatures of December and early January. "They just don't use it when it's not cold," he said.

However, he said that with the onset of cold weather in recent weeks, the utilities have seen an increase in program applications.

The enrollment period for LIHEAP continues through March 22. Consumers who wish to apply for the program or other assistance with their heating bills may do so by calling their gas companies: 1-800-400-9276 for Dominion Peoples ; 1-800-644-8090 for Equitable Gas ; and 1-800-272-2714 for Columbia Gas.