Charleston, WV (AP) -- As he helps disabled West Virginians stay in their homes, Larry Paxton has another worry: How they're going to keep those homes heated this winter.

Paxton is director of the Appalachian Center for Independent Living. After a summer of high fuel prices, the looming recession has half the consumers Paxton works with concerned about home heating costs.

He says it's already strapping church and charity-based efforts.

State agencies and a new program funded by major utilities hope to step in with additional aid. They defray heating bills for low-income residents, and help reduce their energy usage.

Officials fear this winter will be harder on consumers than the last. But they also see relief from dropping gasoline prices and mild winter forecasts.

Online Resources:

Public Service Commission's Guide To Lower Heating Bills: http://tinyurl.com/62apoo

Low Income Energy Assistance Program:
http://tinyurl.com/6s5atd

WV Utility Assistance Program:
http://tinyurl.com/67utxj

WV Weatherization Program:
http://tinyurl.com/6yu3d6

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All rights Reserved.)