In The News

PGW Breaks Ground on New North Operations Center Featuring Innovative Green Technology

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 17, 2021) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) held a ceremonial groundbreaking today for its North Operations Center in Northeast Philadelphia. The new building will feature the latest in energy-efficient technology and state-of-the-art training facilities to enhance service for PGW’s residential and business customers.

By consolidating eight buildings into the operations center, PGW could save up to $100 million over 25 years, directly benefiting PGW customers. Additionally, the North Operations Center reduces the carbon footprint of the eight buildings it replaces by 50 percent.

Located at 5000 Summerdale Avenue near Route 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard) with access to local roads, PGW technicians can travel easily from the operations center to service calls without encountering typical traffic delays on major highways.

The North Operations Center will hold two large training rooms equipped with home appliances, piping systems, and valves where PGW field crews can simulate repairs in customers’ homes and businesses.

Among the many energy saving elements of the new building are:

• An Energy Recovery Ventilation Unit (ERVU), which uses building exhaust to heat and cool areas of the operations center.
• Thermal stratification fans for energy-efficient heating.
• Future installation of electric vehicle charging stations infrastructure.
• High efficiency, water-saving plumbing fixtures.  
• Multiple new retention basins and underground drainage systems for stormwater management. 
• LED interior and exterior lighting fixtures that use less electricity and also improve safety for surrounding properties.

“When the North Operations Center is complete, we look forward to offering improved customer service, increased energy efficiency, and significant cost savings that will positively impact our customers,” said Seth Shapiro, Chief Operating Officer at PGW. “PGW has an ambitious vision of how we’ll deliver safe, reliable natural gas service and be leaders in a clean energy future. Block by block, PGW is building a cleaner and greener Philadelphia.”

When completed in spring 2023, the North Operations Center will house approximately 40 percent of PGW’s employees.

PGW is leasing the Summerdale Avenue property from NorthPoint Development of Riverside, Mo. PGW and NorthPoint collaborated on finding a location for the North Operations Center and NorthPoint is overseeing the construction.

“NorthPoint is proud to partner with PGW on their North Operations Center project,” said RJ Agee, Director of Development for NorthPoint Development. “The team at PGW has been extremely thorough and professional and has approached every decision with operational efficiency and their customers in mind. We look forward to the longevity and growth of this partnership.”

(PHOTO COURTESY OF Daniel Fugaciu) Ceremonial groundbreaking: (L-R): RJ Agee, VP of Development, NorthPoint Development; Daniel Cassidy, VP of Technical Operations, PGW; Seth Shapiro, President & CEO, PGW; Leigh Whitaker, Chair, Philadelphia Facilities Management Corp. and Director of City Relations for the University of Pennsylvania; Derek Green, Councilmember At-Large, and Chair of the Philadelphia Gas Commission; Heather Pierce, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Cherelle Parker. ) 

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Philadelphia Gas Works To Close In Honor Of Veterans Day

Philadelphia (November 10, 2021) – Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021, in honor of those in the U.S. Armed Forces.

PGW is proud to honor and recognize its many employees and retirees who have served and are serving in the military, as well as acknowledge all active-duty military, veterans, and their families for the service and sacrifice they have made to this country and its citizens. Whether serving in peacetime or in conflict, at home or abroad, the commitment of our armed forces makes life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness possible for all Philadelphians and all Americans – we are forever grateful for your service.

All gas leaks or any gas-related emergency should be immediately reported to PGW’s 24-hour Emergency Hotline at 215-235-1212. PGW offices will resume regular business hours on Friday, November 12, 2021.
 

Customers who need to access account information or pay their bill can log into their PGW MyAccount or make cash payments in person at hundreds of local retailers, including CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and 7- Eleven. For information, visit pgworks.com/customer-care/your-home/ways-to-pay.

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PGW Low-income Customers Can Now Apply For Up To $1,500 In Heating Assistance

LIHEAP grant applications open today; the money is free and does not have to be repaid

PHILADELPHIA (October 18, 2021) – Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) low-income customers who need help with their natural gas bills can now apply for up to $1,500 in free money through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The application period for LIHEAP begins Monday, October 18. The average annual residential heating bill is $1,100; a LIHEAP grant could significantly impact heating costs for PGW customers.

LIHEAP grants are based on household size and income, available to renters and homeowners, and do not have to be repaid. PGW customers can print a LIHEAP application at pgworks.com/liheap. Customers 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 of up to $1,200 that is awarded to income-eligible customers. 

Nearly one-third of Philadelphia households are low-income. As many as 138,000 PGW customers could qualify for LIHEAP. While over 82,000 low-income PGW customers received LIHEAP assistance last year (2020-2021), a significant number of eligible customers did not apply and benefit from free utility assistance.

“For those facing economic hardships, there is more assistance than ever through LIHEAP. PGW encourages eligible customers to apply now since funding is first-come-first-served,” said Denise Adamucci, Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Customer Programs at PGW. “Unfortunately, each year, a significant number of eligible households do not apply for LIHEAP and do not receive the financial relief they need. With LIHEAP and Crisis, as well as PGW’s payment assistance programs, customers have many options to manage their natural gas bills and maintain service as we head into the colder months.” 

LIHEAP applicants must have a household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to meet the eligibility requirements. Eligibility guidelines are available at pgworks.com/liheap. The grant program is expected to close on May 6, 2022. 

LIHEAP grants for PGW customers are applied directly to the “Please Pay” amount of their bill. Customers enrolled in PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) benefit from both their regular CRP discount and the additional LIHEAP grant when paying their bills. 

After receiving LIHEAP or Crisis grants, customers needing further assistance may apply for the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF), a privately funded grant. UESF funding, which PGW matches up to a maximum of $1,500, is available to income-eligible customers who are in danger of service termination or whose service was terminated. The grant is designed to pay off the balance of a customer’s unpaid utility bill and bring it to zero.

For more information on LIHEAP, Crisis Assistance, and additional PGW payment assistance programs, visit pgworks.com/residential/customer-care/payment-assistance. 

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