CHEYENNE - Several state agencies are participating in a public information campaign to educate Wyoming residents on how to use less energy and where to get help with high heating bills.

The Energy Wise Wyoming campaign will continue throughout the fall and winter with information about how residents can prepare for and cope with high heating bills.

"The problem is, we can't bring the price down," Gov. Dave Freudenthal said in a statement. "The only thing the average person can do is to try to reduce the amount of natural gas we're going to use to heat our homes."

"The time to caulk leaky windows and to add insulation is now, not when we get an early snowstorm in October," he said.

Research shows that protecting a building and its interior from the elements can reduce energy consumption between 10 and 50 percent. Efforts range from sophisticated energy audits that pinpoint trouble spots to simple acts like placing plastic over windows and using caulk to seal off leaky door and window frames.

This month the Wyoming Public Service Commission urged people to prepare now for higher heating costs.

"We may see some of the largest increases in natural gas prices in years," Deputy Chairman Steve Oxley said. "The good news is that we have ways of fighting back. Energy efficiency is the key."

Starting this month, the Department of Family Services, the Wyoming Public Service Commission, the State Energy Office, the Governor's Office and the private nonprofit Wyoming Energy Council will distribute weekly news releases on how even simple weatherization steps can reduce energy use and allow consumers more control over their heating bills.

Also, the campaign aims to educate the public about existing state programs that can help them get started.

Wyoming's Low Income Energy Assistance Program is available to help Wyoming residents with winter heating bills.

Residents qualify for LIEAP if their income is less than $1,863 a month for an individual, $2,508 for a household of two and $3,798 for a family of four. Administered by the Department of Family Services, LIEAP helped about 11,000 applicants last year.

The LIEAP office also processes applications for the Wyoming Weatherization Program that provides free home energy audits and energy efficiency improvements to low income residents.

"We're expecting the program will serve many more households this winter," DFS Director Tony Lewis said. "Considering the expected cost increases, we've also raised the maximum benefit limit to help cover household heating costs."

The State Energy Program at the Wyoming Business Council also offers matching grants for small businesses in Wyoming to get energy audits and to make energy efficiency improvements.