(Philadelphia, PA – November 8, 2004) – As the heating season approaches, the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is urging customers who have received shutoff notices, or who already have been shut off, to contact PGW's Collection Department as soon as possible at 215-235-1777, or visit one of PGW's six neighborhood Customer Service Centers.

PGW is strictly enforcing the collection policies that require significant upfront payments to be made before customers who have been shut off for nonpayment have their natural gas service restored.

PGW's collection policies now require an upfront deposit of $500, a reconnection charge of $123.23, and immediate payments of up to 100% of the past-due bill. An additional $372 is required if the gas service was dug up. Service will not be turned on until these conditions are met.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has granted approval for PGW to terminate gas service to certain non-low-income customers for nonpayment during the heating season.

PGW also has redoubled its collection efforts in other areas. That includes placing liens on properties, turning over accounts to collection agencies, and providing all customer payment histories to credit reporting services. Between April 1 and December 1, PGW expects to shut off more than 35,000 customers for non-payment.

With fuel costs continuing to remain at high levels, PGW is also urging customers to take serious conservation and weatherization measures to cut down on their energy costs. In addition, PGW is recommending that customers apply for budget billing to help spread out the cost of their heating bills over a 12-month period. Low-income customers should contact PGW at 215-235-1000 or visit PGW’s Web site, www.pgworks.com, for information on available energy assistance programs.

Founded in 1836, PGW is the nation’s largest municipally-owned natural gas utility, serving a half million residential, commercial, and industrial customers.