Dig-up crews are now out in force as part of a last ditch effort to shut off service to thousands of Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) customers who owe millions in unpaid bills.

Despite an aggressive collection campaign and numerous warnings over the past several months, many customers with past-due bills have been able to avoid having their service shut off because PGW has not been able to gain access to the inside of their properties.

As a last result, PGW workers are visiting seriously delinquent customers across the city to dig up and shut off their underground natural gas service.

Since April 1, PGW has shut off nearly 16,000 customers who owed more than $55 million. An additional 45,000 customers, who owe more than $93 million, are eligible for shut off. To have service restored, it could cost up to $1,000.

To avoid shutoff and subsequent turn on charges, customers with seriously delinquent accounts must make payment arrangements immediately, either by contacting PGW at 215-235-1777 or visiting one of PGW's six customer service centers. Visa or MasterCard payments are accepted either at PGW offices or by telephone.

PGW’s six Customer Service Centers are normally open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on designated days as follows:

Center City, 1137 Chestnut Street – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Frankford, 4410 Frankford Avenue – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Germantown, 210 W. Chelten Avenue – Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
North Philadelphia, 1337 W. Erie Avenue – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
South Philadelphia, 1601 S. Broad Street – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
West Philadelphia, 5230 Chestnut Street – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Founded in 1836, PGW is the nation's largest municipally owned natural gas utility, serving a half million residential, commercial, and industrial customers, and Philadelphia's choice for quality energy solutions.

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