PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Gas Works is helping customers sign up to receive help with their bills on Wednesday afternoon at an event in North Philadelphia, celebrating the return of the federal LIHEAP program.
PGW representatives will be available from 2 to 6 p.m. at Sullivan Progress Plaza, located at 1501 North Broad St. PGW spokesperson Nyisha Chapman said they will help customers sign up for LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — and other utility help, too.
“We can see what they’re eligible for,” she said, “because some customers don’t know if you’re eligible for LIHEAP, you’re also eligible for CRP” — the Customer Responsibility Program, which offers discounted, fixed monthly payments.
Chapman said they aim to demystify the application process.
“We want to make sure that customers are able to meet their basic needs, especially during the winter heating season,” she added.
LIHEAP provides up to $1,000 to pay those bills — money that never has to be repaid. PGW estimates 180,000 Philadelphians are eligible for both programs. Last year, just 32,000 Philadelphians enrolled in LIHEAP, and 65,000 in CRP.
To sign up, customers must bring proof of income and Social Security numbers for all household members.