PGW Submits Annual Cold Weather Survey to PUC
Posted on: Dec 15, 2020PGW seeks to help customers without natural gas service apply for payment assistance
PHILADELPHIA (December 15, 2020) – Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) annual Cold Weather Survey, which has been submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), shows that 981 of PGW’s approximately 500,000 customers are without natural gas service heading into this winter. The survey supplements PGW’s robust outreach to customers who are most in need and who may be eligible for PGW’s payment assistance programs.
Grants such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), which ranges from $200 to $1,000; and UESF (Utility Emergency Services Fund), designed to bring a customer’s unpaid balance to $0, are among the programs PGW supports to assist income-eligible customers in paying off their heating bills and restoring gas service. Additionally, starting in January, PGW will offer a $300 COVID Relief Grant and a 12-month payment agreement to customers who are eligible.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, PGW has intensified its efforts to contact customers about available financial relief options. PGW also works with neighborhood organizations, first responders, religious institutions, elected officials, and community leaders to connect with customers who need monetary support for their gas bills.
Additional payment assistance options PGW offers include:
- Customer Responsibility Program (CRP): The recently enhanced CRP reduces customers’ monthly bills to help low-income households better afford service and receive forgiveness of past debt.
- Payment Arrangements: For PGW customers who fall behind.
- Budget Billing: Sets up a consistent pay amount each month of the year.
- 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.
PGW urges customers to visit pgworks.com/customer-care/payment-assistance or call 215-235-1000 for more information on payment assistance.
Customers without service can also apply for a Crisis grant by calling 215-560-1583 or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
Philadelphia residents may also choose to support those in need of heating assistance by donating to the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF). All donations are tax deductible. To donate, visit PGW’s Customer Care page at pgworks.com/customer-care/liheap-crisis-uesf-grants.
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