(Philadelphia, PA – March 31, 2005) –The Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is urging eligible customers to sign up as soon as possible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) before this year’s program ends on April 8.

The deadline for both LIHEAP cash grants and Crisis funds was set to expire on March 24, however, the state extended the program for two more weeks.

Applicants do not have to be eligible for public assistance in order to qualify for LIHEAP grants, and grants are available for both renters and homeowners. To be eligible, a one person household could have an annual income of up to $12,569. Income levels for households with two or more occupants may be determined by adding an additional $4,293 for each additional person.

Customers who are behind on their gas bills could be eligible for a CRISIS grant immediately which may be used to avoid loss of service.

Applicants must provide a recent heating bill and proof of income and proof of Social Security numbers for all household members. Additional information is available through PGW’s LIHEAP Hotline, 215-684-6100, or on PGW’s Web site, www.pgworks.com.

PGW customers may apply for grants at the following PGW offices from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., on the designated days as follows:

Center City, 1137 Chestnut Street – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Also from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday (bill payments and restoration of service only).
Frankford, 4410 Frankford Avenue – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Germantown, 210 W. Chelten Avenue – Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
North Philadelphia, 1334 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.

The PGW North Central Customer Service Center, 1800 N. 9th Street, will be open for LIHEAP applications only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Also, PGW will take applications at its Community Outreach Vehicle in Northeast Philadelphia at Castor Avenue and Hoffnagle Street from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

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