Philadelphia, PA – December 18, 2006) – The annual Cold Weather Survey, which is conducted by utilities regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), has been completed by the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) and was submitted to the PUC on December 15.

PGW reported a 9 percent reduction in residential shut-offs this year compared with last year. The survey shows a lower number of PGW low-income occupants are still shut off for non-payment this year – 43 percent compared with 59 percent in 2005.

“Our collection rates continue to remain at high levels, and we also were able to increase enrollments in our low-income Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) by more than 10,000 customers this year,” said Doug Oliver, PGW Director of Corporate Communications.

“While most customers who were turned off have had their service restored, we are urging customers who are still shut off to make arrangements to have their gas heating service restored,” said Oliver. “We are continuing in our efforts to reach those customers.”

PGW offers payment arrangements and CRP, a discounted payment program for low-income customers. Also, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Crisis and Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) grants are available to help eligible low-income households.

According to this year’s survey, 9,298 premises that were shut off have yet to restore service.

PGW is actively monitoring customers who have not had their service restored and is notifying the Philadelphia Fire Department to report cases in which a customer is using an alternative heating source.

For more information on PGW’s customer assistance programs, customers may call PGW at 215-235-1000. To enter into a payment arrangement, customers should call PGW at 215-235-1777 or visit one of PGW’s six Customer Service Centers. For LIHEAP information, customers may call PGW’s LIHEAP Hotline at 215-684-6100. Detailed information on all programs is available on PGW’s Web site at www.pgworks.com.

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