(Philadelphia, Pa. – December 14, 2007) – 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 14.

PGW reported a 27% reduction in residential heating shut-offs this year compared to last year for all reasons including theft of service. The survey shows PGW terminated 27,076 in 2007 compared to 36,951 premises in 2006.

“While most customers who were turned off have had their service restored, we are urging customers who are still shut off to contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements to have their service reconnected,” said Doug Oliver, Director of Corporate Communication. “We are continuing in our efforts to reach out to those customers because we want to ensure that all of our customers are safe and warm in their homes this winter.”

PGW offers budget billing, 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.
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.

According to this year's survey, 5,552 premises that were shut off have yet to restore service compared to 9,298 last year.

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.