(Philadelphia, Pa. – March 14, 2008) – The Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is urging eligible customers to sign up for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) before this year’s program ends on March 21.

Applicants do not have to receive public assistance in order to qualify for LIHEAP grants, and grants are available for both renters and homeowners. To be eligible, a one person household could have an annual income of up to $15,315. Income levels for households with two or more occupants may be determined by adding an additional $5,220 for each additional person.

Customers who are behind on their gas bills could be eligible for a CRISIS grant of up to $500 which may be used to avoid loss of service.

Applicants must provide a recent heating bill, proof of income and Social Security numbers for all household members. Additional information is available through PGW’s LIHEAP Hotline, 215-684-6100, or on PGW’s Web site at www.pgworks.com.

PGW customers may apply for grants at the following PGW offices from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., on the designated days 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.

Also, customers may apply for LIHEAP at PGW’s Community Outreach Vehicle in Northeast Philadelphia at Castor Avenue and Hoffnagle Street from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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