Once again, Butler County is bracing for another winter of high energy bills. Heating bills are expected to be as much as 30 percent higher than last year.

According to state Public Utilities Commission reports, utility shutoffs and arrears have as much as doubled in some areas in the past five years.

Because of this, the United Way of Butler County will host an energy summit at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Community Alliance Church, 800 Mercer Road, according to a United Way news release.

This will bring together organizations and community leaders to develop a countywide strategy to help residents save money, cut energy costs and learn where they can help

Those who have attended past summits include representatives from such businesses and organizations as the T.W. Phillips Gas and Oil Co., Central Electric Cooperative, Suburban Propane, Dominion Peoples Gas, government officials, community agencies, and service organizations such as Center for Community Resources, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Butler Health System and the Housing Authority of Butler County.

For information or to register for the summit, call the United Way at 724-285-2260.