The ongoing federal government shutdown could lead to colder living rooms and higher heating bills in Pennsylvania this fall and winter.

The state Department of Human Services announced on Wednesday the start of its annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, has been pushed back at least one month to Dec. 3 from its original starting date of Nov. 4.

According to an announcement posted to the DHS website , even this starting date is not set in stone.

“If the federal government does not reopen or funding is not released to states, Pennsylvania will be unable to begin the normal LIHEAP season until funding is received,” the announcement reads.

“The Dec. 3 date is contingent on federal funding being received,” said DHS press secretary Brandon Cwalina.

The LIHEAP progra

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