On Friday, December 14, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) submitted its annual Cold Weather Survey to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). This year’s survey indicates that 7,777 of PGW’s approximately 476,000 residential customers do not have natural gas service, following the termination of that service. This represents a 11.2 percent decrease over 2017.
The survey gathers data on the number of households that enter the Cold Weather Season without natural gas service.
“Heat is vital to the health and well-being of our customers,” said Barry O’Sullivan, director of corporate communications at PGW. “This annual Cold Weather Survey allows us to direct the right resources and information to customers so they have the best chance of having their service restored. We’re committed to assisting families in need through grants and other programs.”
PGW urges low-income customers to see if they qualify for all available grants:
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): A free grant ranging from $200 - $1,000. Text the word FAST to 75308 to apply.
- Crisis: A federal grant awarded to customers without gas service, or with a 10-day shutoff notice. This grant can be combined with LIHEAP. Apply in person at a PGW office, or the Department of Human Services’ Philadelphia County Assistance Office at 1348 W. Sedgley Avenue.
- 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.
Customers who are not low income may be eligible for affordable payment arrangements that allow the restoration of service. Those customers should contact PGW as soon as possible at 215-235-1777.
PGW customers can also visit www.pgworks.com or one of the company’s Customer Service Centers for assistance. And, if you know someone in need, share this information.
Philadelphians can also help to support those in need of heating assistance by donating to UESF. All donations are tax deductible. To donate, visit the Customer Care page of pgworks.com for Assistance Programs & Grants.
Founded in 1836, 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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