PGW Customers Can Now Apply for Up to $1,000 in Free Money for Heating Bills
Posted on: Nov 01, 2022Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program grants are available now to help households with natural gas bills
PHILADELPHIA (November 1, 2022) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) urges families struggling with the rising costs of goods, services, and housing to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to receive up to $1,000 in free money for their natural gas bills. LIHEAP grants help households afford their winter heating bills, are available for both homeowners and renters, and do not have to be repaid.
The LIHEAP application period runs from November 1, 2022, through April 28, 2023, or while funding lasts. With the average annual residential heating bill at $1,405, a LIHEAP grant could cover most customers’ winter heating costs.
“Prices are increasing for many basic goods and most customers have to make tough budget decisions to pay for basic household necessities,” said Denise Adamucci, Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Customer Programs at PGW. “LIHEAP helps relieve those concerns with grants that households can use to keep their homes warm and comfortable. The grants do not have to be repaid. Each year, unfortunately, a large number of customers do not apply for LIHEAP and miss out on grant funds that could ease their financial strain.”
Adamucci added, “This year, there are many options for customers to apply and receive in-person payment assistance counseling. Customers can visit one of more than a dozen Neighborhood Energy Centers around the city or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ new LIHEAP office at 1163 S. Broad St.* We hope that everyone who is eligible will request LIHEAP assistance.”
PGW customers can print a LIHEAP application at pgworks.com/liheap or text the word “CASH” to 77037 to receive an application. 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 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.
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.
After receiving LIHEAP or Crisis grants, customers needing further assistance may apply to 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 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.
*New location: The LIHEAP office is in a new location this year – 1163 S. Broad St, Phila, PA 19147.
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