(Philadelphia, Pa. – February 1, 2008) – With the increase of funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is urging eligible customers to apply for a LIHEAP Crisis grant immediately.

The LIHEAP Crisis grant maximum has been increased from $300 to $500 for eligible households who are facing a heating emergency or are in danger of having their service terminated.

Customers who have already been approved for $300 in Crisis benefits may now apply for an additional $200. For those who have not applied for Crisis yet, it’s not too late. The Crisis grant is still available for new applicants for the increased maximum amount of $500.

LIHEAP provides grants to help customers with their winter heating bills and the LIHEAP Crisis benefit provides an additional grant to low-income residents who are in danger of having their natural gas service terminated, need to have their gas service restored or need furnace repairs.

To be eligible for LIHEAP or CRISIS grants, an individual could have an annual income of up to $15,315. A household with two members could earn up to $20,535, and a household with three occupants could have a total income of as much as $25,755. Income levels for four or more household members may be determined by adding an additional $5,220 for each additional occupant.

For more information, call PGW’s LIHEAP Hotline at 215-684-6100. Customers may also visit our Web site at www.pgworks.com.

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