"It's really concerning for people with low income and whether they'll be able to make the payment for their bills," Roquiero said. "Sometimes they may have to make a choice between buying medicine, keeping warm, buying a loaf of bread."

The governor's energy policy adviser, Laura Nelson, said she doesn't expect the state to receive more federal dollars for HEAT or any other program. "Additional federal funding probably isn't going to happen," Nelson said.

She's holding out hope, though, that the state's utilities will be willing to do more. "That's something we've trying to talk to them about and see what opportunities might be there," Nelson said.

Questar Gas Co. is already planning to appeal to the public in December with a "blue-envelope campaign" for its REACH program, company spokesman Darren Shepherd said. All Questar customers can use the envelopes sent with their monthly bill to contribute to the program, which is administered through the American Red Cross and offers emergency assistance to Utahns struggling to pay their heating bills.

"We have generous customers in Utah, they're very giving," Shepherd said. "When we see these higher prices we think we'll be able to help some people who really need it this year."

Questar will match up to $100,000 received during the December campaign.

The company met with Huntsman earlier this week to discuss his plans to aid Utahns in need, but Shepherd said it remained unclear what more the utility will be able to offer.

Questar will help get information out to Utahns about managing their bills and accessing the REACH program, he said. However, Shepherd did not say whether the utility would contribute any additional money to the effort.

Nelson said the public will be encouraged to contribute to the existing programs as part of the effort Huntsman is expected to unveil late next week.

"They are probably going to be one of the best opportunities to help," Nelson said. Besides making contributions, she said the public will be asked to help their neighbors weatherproof homes and take other energy-saving measures.

Nelson said she's still adding up both the existing resources and the potential needs.

Government officials are not the only ones concerned about the impact of increased heating bills this winter. Advocates for Utah's low-income community also cite it as a top concern.

"It's a huge issue, and it's one that we think is going to cause people to really struggle with the rent, with buying the groceries," said Glenn Bailey with Crossroads Urban Center. "That, along with the price of gas going up, is going to put a lot of people under a lot of pressure."

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E-mail: lisa@desnews.com; awelling@desnews.com