PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — PECO and PGW have stopped shut-offs for low-income residential customers until the federal government reopens.
The threat to SNAP food benefits got a lot of attention. Less noticed is that the federal shutdown has frozen money for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program, just as the weather cools and low-income families need to turn on the heat. Councilman Mike Driscoll criticized the multiple crises the shutdown is creating.
“They already have housing insecurity, they already have food insecurity, and now they have to worry about freezing to death in the middle of the winter in Philadelphia? Well, we’re not going to let that happen,” Driscoll said.
PECO Vice President Carolina DiGiorgio says not only did the utility stop shut-offs beginning Nov. 1, it has expanded the customer relief program for moderate-income customers and is waiving late fees and allowing flexible payment plans for federal employees.
“Together we are working to ensure that no family is left behind,” DiGiorgio said.
PGW noted it will not disconnect service for residents in the customer responsibility program. To enroll, in the program, call 215-235-1000 or apply on its website.
State Rep. Morgan Cephas also had a message for Congress:
“Stop weaponizing hunger, heat and our health care for your own individual politics.”