PGW estimates 135,000 Philadelphians are eligible for LIHEAP; PGW adding more ways to apply.
PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Starting today, low-income Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) customers can text the word CASH to the number 75308 to see if they qualify for a free LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) grant of up to $1,000. LIHEAP is a federal grant that helps income-eligible families pay their heating bills or prevent shut off. Grants range from $200 to $1,000, are available to renters and homeowners, and do not have to be repaid. Grant amounts are based on household size and income.
PGW estimates 135,000 of its customers are eligible for LIHEAP. Last year, approximately 61,000 PGW customers received more than $21 million dollars in assistance. To apply, customers can:
- Text CASH to 75308
- Print an application (in English or Spanish) from pgworks.com/liheap
- Visit one of PGW’s five Customer Service Centers during the week. *In November, West Philadelphia and Frankford are now also open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Call (215) 235-1000 and ask to have an application mailed directly to them.
“Philadelphia remains one of the poorest large cities in America. We take seriously our responsibility to help ensure our customers struggling to provide a warm home to their families know about LIHEAP, and make the application process as accessible as possible,” said Melanie McCottry, Vice President of Corporate Communications and External Affairs at PGW. “If natural gas is your primary home heating source, PGW encourages you to take advantage of this free money today. Grants are first-come, first-served, so we are urging people to apply now. Our texting service makes it easy: text CASH to 75308 to receive an application.”
This November, PGW’s West Philadelphia and Frankford Customer Service Centers have added Saturday hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for additional customer convenience. Also starting this month PGW is conducting outreach directly to neighborhood organizations, churches, elected officials and other community leaders to educate neighbors and support eligible households in applying for LIHEAP.
Applicants for LIHEAP assistance must meet the eligibility requirements, which means they must have a household income of less than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. LIHEAP ends on April 10, 2020.
LIHEAP grants for PGW customers are applied directly to the “Please Pay” amount of their bill. That means PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) customers benefit from both their regular CRP discount and the additional LIHEAP grant when paying their bill.
Customers that have received a 10-day shutoff notice or are without utility service can apply for both Crisis Assistance and LIHEAP together at one of PGW’s Customer Service Centers. Crisis Assistance is a federal grant that is awarded to income-eligible customers.
About PGW:
Founded in 1836, The Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is owned by the City of Philadelphia and is the largest municipally owned gas utility in the country. It manages a distribution system of approximately 6,000 miles of gas mains and service pipes supplying approximately 500,000 customers. PGW’s operations are managed by a non-profit corporation, the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation (PFMC). More information about the company is available at www.pgworks.com.
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Contacts
Melanie McCottry
(267) 249-7542
[email protected]
