Alliant Energy says natural gas heating bills this winter are running about 3.5 percent lower than last winter with only March remaining.

Customers have paid about $19 less on natural gas so far this winter, the company sreported in its  monthly natural gas update on Tuesday, March 15.

Warmer February and January temperatures helped. The average customer’s natural gas bill $30 lower in January and $14 lower in February.

Moderate and low-income households having difficulty paying their heating bills can still apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program up until April 30, or until funds are exhausted, the company said. They can call 1-866-674-6327 to locate the nearest agency administering the LIHEAPO program.