(Philadelphia, PA – February 3, 2005) – The rules for natural gas service shutoffs have changed as the result of a new state law, Act 201, the Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act.

As a result, the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) and other utilities are changing their residential customer rules and policies about winter shutoffs, payment agreements and service reconnection requirements to comply with the new law.

As examples, under the new law, PGW may now take the following measures with regard to collections and payment arrangements, shutoffs, service restoration and safety conditions:

I. PGW may turn off your service in the winter if your income is more than 150% but less than 250% of the poverty guidelines and you have not paid at least 50% of your charges for each of the last 2 months, unless:

• A person in the household is 65 years or older; or
• A person in the household is 12 years or younger; or
• A person in the household has a medical certification letter from a doctor; or
• The customer has paid at least 15% of their household income
in the last 2 months.

II. PGW may shut off service on all weekdays, including Fridays, which was restricted under previous rules.

III After giving notification, PGW may now shut off service to certain non-low- income customers year round, without PUC permission, for non-payment, failure to keep a payment agreement, failure to pay required deposits, or failure to give access to service equipment. Under previous rules, residential customer shutoffs were largely restricted, by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, during the winter months, from December 1 through March 31.

When customers want to restore service after being shut off for non-payment, depending on their income and payment history, PGW may require them to pay the full bill or make a payment agreement. PGW may also require a reconnect fee and a deposit. If there have been two or more broken payment agreements, payment of the full balance may be required.

Another provision of the new law is that any adult who lived at a home that was shut-off for an overdue bill may have to pay all or part of that balance that was incurred while he or she lived there if he or she wants service in his or her name.

PGW is providing a detailed outline of the new rules in customer billing envelopes during the month of February. The bill insert explains safeguards and programs in place to protect low-income customers, the elderly, and customers who may have a serious medical condition. Information on the rule changes also is available on PGW’s Web site, www.pgworks.com. Customers with questions about the new rules may also contact PGW at 215-235-1000. PGW provides a Language Line service for non English speaking customers at the same number. In addition, Spanish speaking customers may telephone PGW at 215-235-2175.

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.