(Philadelphia, Pa. – November 28, 2006) – With the official start of winter only weeks away, the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia today joined forces to promote programs encouraging heating customers to take measures now to “Prepare, Conserve & Save” on their energy bills.

Thomas E. Knudsen, PGW President and Chief Executive Officer, Alba Martinez, President and Chief Executive Office of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Lance Haver, Director of Consumer Affairs for the City of Philadelphia, today announced plans to share resources as a way to help people prepare their home for winter. In addition to United Way’s outreach initiatives, their joint plan includes sharing information, materials, and sharing links on PGW’s Web site (www.pgworks.com) and United Way’s Web site (www.uwsepa.org ).

Among programs available to help heating customers to prepare for winter are as follows:

• United Way’s Project Warm Heart – an education and outreach initiative that works with local agencies to share money saving tips and recruit volunteers to help low-income and elderly residents weatherize their homes to maximize warmth and reduce costs. Information: www.uwsepa.org
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – a federally funded grant program to help with home heating bills. Information: 215-684-6100
• CRISIS – a grant to help with a heating emergency, to prevent a service shutoff or have service restored. Information: Information: 215-684-6100
• Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) – a PGW program offering low-income customers special bill-payment discounts and weatherization services. Information: 215-235-1000
• Weatherization Workshop – A PGW and City sponsored neighborhood energy conservation outreach program. Information: www.pgworks.com
• Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) – Provides grants to help low-income Philadelphia residents avoid the loss of their gas, electric and water service. Information: www.uesfacts.org
• CARES – PGW’s Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Program helps customers with special needs, such as family, medical or financial emergencies. Information: 215-235-1000
• Budget Plan – PGW’s Easy Way Budget Plan can help average out gas bills over a 12-month period. Information: 215-235-1000
• Philadelphia Energy Loans – City sponsored home improvement loans for qualified residents. Information: www.phila.gov

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

Founded in 1921 by the business community, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania improves people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of donors, volunteers and communities. United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania is one of the region’s largest non-profit organizations and one of approximately 1,400 affiliated United Ways nationwide. Each United Way is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by local volunteers.