PGW Offers Help for Customers with Their Energy Bills
Posted on: Nov 19, 2020
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 19, 2020) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is urging low-income customers who have fallen behind on their bills to call 215-235-1000 for information about PGW’s robust payment assistance programs and payment arrangement options. With winter approaching, and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, help is available for PGW customers to stay current on their energy bills and avoid taking on higher debt over the winter or service termination in the future.
PGW offers its Customer Responsibility Program (CRP), which was recently modified to further reduce monthly bill amounts for certain low-income customers enrolled in the program. CRP helps low-income households better afford their bills and receive forgiveness of past debt. Based on household income, customers enrolled in CRP could pay as little as 4 percent of their monthly income on their PGW bill.
Earlier this month, PGW customers could begin applying for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), a federal grant ranging from $200 to $1,000 that helps income-eligible families pay their heating bills and restore gas service. The grants are available to renters and homeowners, and do not have to be repaid.
“Customers use their natural gas appliances more in colder weather and tend to have higher bills in the winter months,” said Craig White, president and chief executive officer at PGW. “Given the challenging financial circumstances facing many of our customers, we want them to be aware of the help PGW provides so they can be proactive and stay current with their heating bills, avoid past-due balances and late fees, and maintain service.”
Several more payment assistance programs are available for PGW customers, including:
- 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.
In addition to calling 215-235-1000, customers can find information on PGW’s payment assistance programs at pgworks.com/residential/customer-care/payment-assistance
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