(WSBT) The Federal Government predicts natural gas customers could see a 10 percent increase in their bills.

And one local agency says it may not be able to help as many people as it has in the past. For thousands of families worried about getting a disconnection notice, that's not good news.

"It's definitely a worry. You know everyone worries about how they're going to pay their bills," said Marsha Williams, and Energy Assistance client and Real Services employee.

And this year Marsha Williams is especially concerned. NIPSCO says bills were lower last winter because of above average temperatures.

"And if we see temperatures get back to where they normally are throughout the course of the winter months, that is where the 20 percent increase could come from," explained NIPSCO spokesperson Mike Charbonneau.

Williams is one of thousands living on a fixed income. She counts on agencies like Real Services to help cover the costs.

"We kind of just rely on the agencies for the little extra boost during the winter time,” said Williams.

"There were 9,600 families last year that we did help," said Real Services employee Ingrid Simmons.

But this year it'll help 1,400 fewer people. Real Services' Energy Assistance Program won't be receiving as much government funding as it did last year.

"The problem is, is that the money the state receives for energy assistance doesn't increase just because the heating cost is going to go up," said Simmons.

And when those costs go up, so do the requests for help. But that's not something Williams will have to worry about.

"Thank goodness I've been working with the program quite a few years now so I've been able to maintain my gas bill," said Williams.

But for hundreds of others that may not be the case this year. NIPSCO says the average customer could expect to pay about $127 more for heat this winter.