In The News

PGW Offices Will Close on New Year’s Day

PGW extends wishes for a safe and healthy 2021

PHILADELPHIA (December 31, 2020) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) will be closed in observance of New Year’s Day on Friday, January 1, 2021. All gas odors or any gas-related emergency should be immediately reported to PGW’s 24-hour Emergency Hotline at 215-235-1212. PGW offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, January 4, 2021.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the city, PGW encourages customers to ring in 2021 safely by following local health guidelines which include limiting gatherings, practicing good hygiene, wearing a mask, and physical distancing.

Also, keep these health and safety tips in mind when celebrating on New Year’s Eve:

• Follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol.
• Do not use fireworks.
• Keep alcohol away from children and pets.

PGW wishes all customers a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year!

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PGW Offices Will Close for the Christmas Holiday

PGW extends warm holiday greeting and tips to make the celebrations safe and memorable. 

PHILADELPHIA (December 23, 2020) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) will be closed in observance of Christmas beginning at 12 p.m. on December 24, 2020 through Friday, December 25, 2020. All gas odors or any gas-related emergency should be immediately reported to PGW’s 24-hour Emergency Hotline at 215-235-1212. PGW offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 28, 2020.

Throughout a difficult and trying year, PGW has recognized the hard work of our local first responders, health care personnel, essential workers, and all those committed to providing safety, health services and vital information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise locally and nationally, PGW reminds customers to celebrate the holidays safely in accordance with health guidelines. These include limiting gatherings to immediate household members, practicing good hygiene, wearing a mask, physical distancing, getting a flu shot, and avoiding crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

PGW prioritizes the health and safety of our customers and employees - no matter the occasion.  Keep these safety tips in mind while celebrating the holidays at home.
 

• When decorating your home, never use furniture as a ladder or step stool.
• It is recommended to hang decorations away from a fireplace.
• When cooking, do not leave the stove or oven unattended.
• Supervise young children when unwrapping presents. The least suspicious items can become very dangerous choking hazards.
• Place the tree away from fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, TV sets, or heater vents.
• Turn off all decorative lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

PGW wishes our customers and employees a very safe, healthy, and Merry Christmas. And to support Philadelphia families in need this year, visit the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey https://www.unitedforimpact.org/.

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PGW Submits Annual Cold Weather Survey to PUC

PGW seeks to help customers without natural gas service apply for payment assistance

PHILADELPHIA (December 15, 2020) – Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) annual Cold Weather Survey, which has been submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), shows that 981 of PGW’s approximately 500,000 customers are without natural gas service heading into this winter. The survey supplements PGW’s robust outreach to customers who are most in need and who may be eligible for PGW’s payment assistance programs.

Grants such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), which ranges from $200 to $1,000; and UESF (Utility Emergency Services Fund), designed to bring a customer’s unpaid balance to $0, are among the programs PGW supports to assist  income-eligible customers in paying off their heating bills and restoring gas service. Additionally, starting in January, PGW will offer a $300 COVID Relief Grant and a 12-month payment agreement to customers who are eligible.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, PGW has intensified its efforts to contact customers about available financial relief options. PGW also works with neighborhood organizations, first responders, religious institutions, elected officials, and community leaders to connect with customers who need monetary support for their gas bills.

Additional payment assistance options PGW offers include:

• Customer Responsibility Program (CRP): The recently enhanced CRP reduces customers’ monthly bills to help low-income households better afford service and receive forgiveness of past debt.
• Payment Arrangements: For PGW customers who fall behind.
• Budget Billing: Sets up a consistent pay amount each month of the year.
• Customer Assistance Referral Evaluation Program (CARES): Provides referral assistance to residential customers with special circumstances. These might include medical emergencies, unemployment or other temporary hardships.

PGW urges customers to visit pgworks.com/customer-care/payment-assistance or call 215-235-1000 for more information on payment assistance.

Customers without service can also apply for a Crisis grant by calling 215-560-1583 or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.

Philadelphia residents may also choose to support those in need of heating assistance by donating to the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF). All donations are tax deductible. To donate, visit PGW’s Customer Care page at pgworks.com/customer-care/liheap-crisis-uesf-grants.

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