(Philadelphia, PA – November 10, 2006) – The Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is urging low-income customers who have received a shut-off notice or whose service is now off to apply immediately for a CRISIS energy grant while funds are still available.

Customers are also urged to apply for LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Assistance Program grants, to help pay their winter heating bills. Applicants, both renters and homeowners, do not need to have an unpaid bill or be on public assistance to receive LIHEAP.

LIHEAP and CRISIS applicants must provide proof of income and proof of social security numbers for all members of their household, and their most recent heating bill. CRISIS applicants must also provide a shut-off notice from PGW or show that service has been shut off.

Customers may apply for CRISIS grants at any Neighborhood Energy Center, which are listed on PGW’s Web site, www.pgworks.com. Information also is available by calling PGW’s LIHEAP Hotline at 215-684-6100.

Customers may apply for LIHEAP grants at the following PGW offices from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., 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, 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.

To be eligible for CRISIS or LIHEAP, an individual could have an annual income of up to $14,700. A household with two members could earn up to $19,800, and a home with three occupants could have a total income of as much as $24,900. Income levels for four or more household members may be determined by adding an additional $5,100 for each additional occupant.

Applications for this winter’s LIHEAP and CRISIS program will be accepted until March 22, 2007, or until funds run out.

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