PGW STRESSES SAFETY PLANNING DURING NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

Know what to do and what supplies to gather for an emergency

PHILADELPHIA (August 31, 2020) – Throughout National Preparedness Month this September, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) will remind customers of the importance of having a plan in place for disasters and other emergencies.

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. Amid a global health crisis, severe weather events, and economic uncertainty, the theme of this year’s National Preparedness Month is befittingly “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.”

“In 2020, we’ve experienced how drastically and quickly events can disrupt the lives of our customers and employees,” said Mark Lee, PGW’s Director of Corporate Preparedness. “With safety as our first priority, PGW is focused on preventing emergencies and being responsive if one occurs. It’s also important for individuals and families to discuss preparedness and have a safety plan in place. Disasters often come when you least expect them. Knowing what to do to keep you and your family safe can help ease stress in an emergency.”

On the ready.gov website, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers preparedness guidance, including instructions on building an emergency kit which should include necessities such as a flashlight, first aid kit, cell phone chargers, non-perishable food and enough water for three days. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is also recommended to store extra cloth face coverings, disinfecting wipes or sprays, and hand sanitizer in an emergency kit.

Each week of National Preparedness Month focuses on specific action steps, which are:

Make A Plan (September 1-5): Know how you will communicate with family and friends before, during, and after a disaster. Also check for current Centers for Disease Control guidelines that are in effect due to COVID-19.
Build A Kit (September 6-12): Gather emergency supplies that can last for many days and have the kit ready for when you may need it.
Prepare For Disasters (September 13-19): Understand the risks in your neighborhood, check insurance coverage, and secure your home against severe weather and other hazards.
Teach Youth About Preparedness (September 20-26): Talk with children about what to do in an emergency and what role they can play in being prepared.

Find more information on preparing for emergencies at ready.gov.

Visit PGW’s website at http://www.pgworks.com/safety for emergency information, tips on using natural gas service and advice on how to stay safe at home. PGW urges anyone who smells gas to immediately call 215-235-1212.

PGW ISSUES LAST CALL FOR LIHEAP RECOVERY CRISIS PROGRAM

Customers may be eligible for up to $800; program expires August 31

PHILADELPHIA (August 20, 2020) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is reminding customers that time is running out to apply for the LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) Recovery Crisis Program, which will end on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020 or when funds run out.

Low income customers impacted by COVID-19 with a past-due bill may be eligible for up to $800 under the program. The payment assistance is open to renters and homeowners and the grants do not have to be repaid. Along with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ County Assistance Office, PGW has been reaching out to customers to help them obtain grants through this crisis program.

A simple application process allows customers to apply through the state’s COMPASS website, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ (DHS) website or by visiting pgworks.com/crisis. Customers who received LIHEAP grants this past winter are urged to call 215-560-1583 and verbally request the new crisis assistance.

Customers only need to be past due on their PGW bill to apply. Service termination notices are not required for customers to be eligible for the additional LIHEAP grants, which are administered by DHS and made possible by the U.S. CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act.

“We understand that many of our customers are enduring extended hardships as the COVID-19 health crisis continues,” said Denise Adamucci, Vice President, Regulatory Compliance & Customer Programs at PGW. “Assistance funds are still available through the LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program, which offers some relief for those who have fallen behind on their gas bills. I also encourage our customers to explore all of PGW’s robust payment assistance programs to find one that fits their needs.”

These payment assistance programs include:

Customer Responsibility Program (CRP): Provides discounted monthly bills for eligible low-income customers.
Payment Arrangements: For PGW customers who fall behind.
Budget Billing: Sets up a consistent pay amount each month of the year.
UESF (Utility Emergency Services Fund): A grant designed to pay off the balance of a customer’s unpaid utility bill and bring it to $0.
Customer Assistance Referral Evaluation Program (CARES): Provides referral assistance to residential customers with special circumstances. These might include medical emergencies, unemployment or other temporary hardships.

For more information on PGW payment assistance programs and all other PGW resources, visit pgworks.com.

PGW REMINDS CITY RESIDENTS AND CONTRACTORS TO CALL 811 BEFORE DIGGING

PHILADELPHIA (August 10, 2020) –Tuesday, August 11 or 8/11, will be more than just another hot summer day. It’s a day when Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) reminds City residents and contractors to dial 811 before digging to avoid potential injury and to reduce the risk of damaging natural gas infrastructure or other underground utility lines.

Regardless of the size of the project, anyone planning to pave, excavate, or demolish a building should – and is legally required to – call Pennsylvania 811. It is recommended to call three to 10 business days prior to beginning a project.

The 811 number connects callers to Pennsylvania’s “One Call” system, which alerts utilities to identify the location of service or distribution lines within the scope of the proposed worksite. The respective utilities will then visit the site to either indicate that the site is clear of utility lines or mark and/or flag the location of its infrastructure.

PGW also encourages City residents to call 811 to report any suspect contractor that may be digging without a valid Pennsylvania One Call ticket in place, which alerts all facility owners of a possible safety concern. Jobsites that do not have visible paint or flag markings onsite should be reported to 811.

Calls to Pennsylvania 811 are free, available 24 hours a day, and helps make energy infrastructure safer. Notification to the 811 system can also be made online at pa1call.org. For more information, visit PGW’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2bbAeZm.

PGW is committed to delivering safe, reliable natural gas service to City residents and businesses. In addition to the reminder to call before you dig, PGW also urges anyone who smells a gas odor to leave the area immediately, and then call PGW’s 24-hour gas emergency hotline at (215) 235-1212 from a safe location. To learn more www.pgworks.com/safety.

Page 46 of 78 pages.