In The News

PGW HONORED BY WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTER EAST

PGW awarded as WBEC-East’s “Partner of the Year"

PHILADELPHIA (Oct 1, 2020) – Philadelphia Gas Works has been recognized as “Partner of the Year” at the Women’s Business Enterprise Council East’s (WBEC-East) 2020 Virtual Annual Awards ceremony on Sept 30. PGW received the award for being instrumental in advancing WBEC’s mission of driving “economic growth regionally by identifying, certifying, and facilitating the development of women-owned businesses.”

Erica Patterson, PGW’s Director of Contract Management & Supplier Diversity, who accepted the award said, “PGW is grateful for this honor and we’re proud to stand with WBEC-East to increase opportunity for women business owners. We have enjoyed a successful partnership and look forward to many more accomplishments together.”

PGW supports WBEC-East’s objectives by serving on various committees to help the organization achieve its annual goals. Recently, PGW participated in a WBEC-East interactive webinar that informed members about PGW’s supplier diversity and procurement initiatives. 

PGW encourages the growth of companies with certification as Minority, Women, Veteran, and Disabled-owned Business Enterprises. Recently, the company updated and simplified its electronic bidding process to make it easier for area businesses to match their services to PGW’s contracting notices. For more information on PGW’s vendor diversity efforts, visit pgworks.com/business/about-us/procurement/work-with-pgw.

Learn more about WBEC-East at  https://wbeceast.com/.

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PGW OFFERS NEW PAYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR CUSTOMERS IN NEED

PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program lowers customers’ bills and economic relief

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 29, 2020) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) has reduced the monthly bill amounts for low-income customers enrolled in PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) further decreasing their energy burden. CRP helps low-income households better afford their bills and receive forgiveness of past debt. Now, based on household income, customers enrolled in CRP may pay as low as 4 percent of their monthly income on their PGW bill.

PGW customers who are newly unemployed, and those who have become low income as a result of COVID-19, or otherwise, are encouraged to apply for CRP now for a lower monthly bill.

Along with lessening the energy burden low-income PGW customers pay, CRP also offers protections such as waiver of late fees. Customers can enroll in CRP online by visiting pgworks.com/crp or can request an application via mail by calling 215-235-1000.

“PGW recognizes that these are very difficult times economically for many of PGW’s low income customers. PGW’s modified CRP program will provide low-income customers with affordable monthly bills for their heating this winter and we hope that will provide them with some financial relief,” said Craig White, President & CEO of PGW. “We encourage eligible low-income customers to apply for CRP now in order to benefit from the same protections all winter long.”

PGW’s robust CRP awareness and outreach campaign informs customers to not wait and apply now to take advantage of the following benefits:

• Immediate, discounted billing.
• Fixed, affordable payment amounts based on gross household income.
• The opportunity to eliminate PGW past-due balances over time. 

To be eligible for CRP, customers must have a gross household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. CRP monthly bill amounts are based on the size of the customer’s household income. The minimum CRP charge is $25 per month.

In addition to CRP, PGW is reminding customers to apply for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. LIHEAP provides federal grants up to $1,000 to help eligible low-income families pay their heating bills and restore gas service. LIHEAP grants are based on household size and income, are available to both renters and homeowners, and do not have to be repaid. In October, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin delivering applications to customers that have applied the last two years.

PGW also offers several other payment assistance programs:

• Payment Arrangements: For PGW customers who fall behind.
• Budget Billing: Sets up a consistent pay amount each month of the year.
• UESF (Utility Emergency Services Fund): A grant designed to pay off the balance of a customer’s unpaid utility bill and bring it to $0.
• 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.

For more information on all of PGW’s payment assistance programs visit  https://www.pgworks.com/residential/customer-care/payment-assistance

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PGW’s PARTS & LABOR PLAN OFFERS CUSTOMERS PEACE OF MIND

PHILADELPHIA (Sept 9, 2020) –While helping to stop the spread of COVID-19, more Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) customers are staying at home and likely relying more on their appliances. If those appliances stop working, customers who enroll now in PGW Parts & Labor Plan (PLP) will have peace of mind knowing they will be covered for unexpected and expensive repair or replacement costs.

Residential PGW customers who have natural gas house heaters, gas water heaters, gas dryers and/or split system electric central air conditioners combined with gas heating are eligible to register for the Parts & Labor Plan. The open enrollment period for PLP is underway for coverage beginning Nov. 1, 2020 through Oct. 31, 2021.

“It can be frustrating and cause financial pain when our customers incur surprise costs from a malfunctioning or broken natural gas appliance, especially now when customers are at home and depend on their appliances more than ever,” said Celia Scarlata, Conversion Programs Manager, PGW. “With an affordable PGW Parts & Labor Plan, customers will not have to be concerned with finding a contractor and facing extra costs if they need repairs.” 

By choosing the coverage plan or plans that work best for their situation, customers will enjoy the benefits of experienced, professional PGW technicians, no costs for parts or labor, reliable customer service, and fast and convenient scheduling. Service appointments can be arranged by calling 215.235.2050, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For more information on PGW’s Parts & Labor Plan, visit pgwplp.com.

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