In The News

Last Call for LIHEAP: Apply Now to Receive Up to $1,000 for Home Heating Assistance

PHILADELPHIA (March 13, 2024) – There is still time for Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) customers to warm their  homes more affordably with a federal grant.  Income eligible PGW customers can apply for a LIHEAP grant of up to $1,000 in free money toward their winter heating bills. PGW encourages both renters and homeowners to apply before the April 5, 2024 deadline.

In October 2023, the federal government released nearly $3.7 billion in LIHEAP funding to lower energy costs for families. With the average yearly household heating bill at $1,355 LIHEAP could cover a substantial amount of a residential customer’s winter natural gas bills.

There are several ways to apply for LIHEAP:

• Text the word “CASH” to 77037 to receive an application.
• Download a LIHEAP application at pgworks.com/liheap.
• Visit a Neighborhood Energy Center to receive in-person guidance and payment assistance counseling. A list of Neighborhood Energy Centers can be found here.

Applicants must have a household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to meet LIHEAP eligibility requirements. Eligibility guidelines are available at pgworks.com/liheap. 

“LIHEAP removes a financial burden for many of our customers and ensures they have access to heat and hot water throughout the colder months,” said Denise Adamucci, Senior Vice President, Customer and Regulatory Affairs at PGW. “We urge customers who need help to apply for LIHEAP today.”

During the 2022-2023 LIHEAP season, 42,393 households in Philadelphia received a total of $23M in LIHEAP assistance toward their heating bills. Those without utility service or who have received a 10-day shut-off notice can apply for both Crisis Assistance and LIHEAP together. Crisis Assistance is an additional federal grant up to $1,000 that is awarded to income-eligible customers.

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PGW Files Annual Natural Gas Cost Rate

PHILADELPHIA (March 7, 2024) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) filed a request on Friday with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to adjust the Gas Cost Rate (GCR) for residential customers from $3.8396 to $4.2188 per one thousand cubic feet (Mcf). If approved, the new GCR would be effective September 1, 2024.

The typical monthly bill would increase from $93.80 to $95.93 per month for residential customers using 64 thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas per year.

The GCR reflects the cost of natural gas that PGW purchases from its gas suppliers and does not include a profit margin. The rate is recalculated on a quarterly basis (March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1) to show PGW’s actual costs. Customers are then notified of GCR adjustments through messaging issued with their bills.

 PGW’s residential natural gas rates are determined by:

• Supply charge: the amount of a customer’s gas usage and what PGW pays for the gas, which is passed on to the customer without change.
• Delivery charge: the costs of delivering natural gas to residences, maintaining distribution systems, and other services.

 For more information about PGW’s GCR filing, visit pgworks.com.

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PGW Modernizing Infrastructure Along Wister Street and Stenton Avenue in West Oak Lane Section of Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (January 26, 2024) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) and its contractor crews are installing new natural gas mains along Wister Street and Stenton Avenue (project ID: 4x5295), beginning Monday, January 29, 2024. Gas mains will be replaced along several streets in the West Oak Lane neighborhood starting next week, which will result in some temporary road closures and adjusted traffic patterns during the day in accordance with a PennDOT Permit.

The hours of operation for installation crews are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The entirety of the project is expected to be completed by August 2024, excluding potential weather and supply delays. Parking restrictions will be posted in advance when streets are expected to temporarily close during hours of operation.

PGW has been in close communication with local schools, universities, business owners, elected officials, and community members, to inform key stakeholders of project impact and details. This open line of real-time communication will remain at the forefront throughout the duration of the project.

The $4.8 million allocated to this neighborhood is part of PGW’s Prudent Main replacement program. This project will replace over 8,000 linear feet (LF) of existing cast iron gas mains. In addition, the pipelines will advance PGW’s 2050 goal to reduce methane emissions by 80 percent. With each new mile of main PGW installs, emissions are reduced to zero.

After new mains are installed, any impacted service lines, roadways, and sidewalks to properties will be replaced. A PGW representative will contact residents directly before this phase begins to schedule a date for their gas service renewal.

PROJECT 4x5295 ROAD AND LANE CLOSURE DETAILS – pgworks.com/worksites

Due to the size and scope of this main replacement project, PGW in coordination with its contractor are required to impose lane closures as well as road closures. These closures will occur in work zone areas where new pipes need to be installed ensuring the safety and well-being of the public and workers.

Customers and residents can expect to see PGW contractors on-site closing off small sections of Wister Street between blocks to keep traffic flowing and safely secure large-scale equipment to support the main replacement.

Tentative lane and road closure plan (subject to change) is as follows:

• Main Installation (Wister ST. from Belfield Ave. to Armstrong)
  • Full road closure – Belfield to Armstrong / Lane closure – Armstrong to Clarkson Ave.
  • Traffic will flow North on Wister St. from Armstrong to Clarkson Ave.
     
• Main Installation (Wister ST. from Armstrong. to W. Clarkson Ave.)
  • Full road closure –Armstrong to W. Clarkson Ave.  / Lane closure – Armstrong to Belfield Ave.
  • Traffic will flow South on Wister St. from Armstrong to Belfield Ave.

PGW contractors will repeat this road closure procedure until all main installation work is completed from Belfield to Olney Avenue.

A map of the worksite (project 4x5295) can be found below.

PROJECT 4x5295 WORK SCHEDULE – pgworks.com/worksites

Tentative construction schedule (subject to change) is as follows:

• January 2024 – March 2024: Main Installation (Wister ST. from Belfield Ave. to Chew Ave.)
  • 01/22/24 – 03/29/24
     
• April 2024 – May 2024: Main Installation (Wister ST. from Chew to Stenton Ave.)
  • 04/01/24 – 05/31/24
     
• June 2024 – July 2024: Main Installation (Stenton Ave. from Rittenhouse to Beverly Ave.)
  • 06/01/24 – 07/05/24

Residential and commercial customers located near the main replacement project are expected to see heavy equipment, crews, and materials. Ensuring the safety of the community is the top priority. Trenches and holes will be securely covered, and all equipment will be stored out of the way at the end of each workday.

Customers and residents can speak to a PGW representative on the job for construction-related questions. Concerns and additional questions can be directed to the PGW Public Affairs office at 215-684-6880, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information about PGW’s pipeline improvement projects, visit pgworks.com/worksites. Updates for project 4x5295 can be found here.

PGW also reminds anyone who smells gas or has a gas-related emergency, to call PGW’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 215-235-1212.

PGW appreciates customers’ flexibility and patience as we diligently work to build a cleaner energy future for Philadelphia.

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