Facing difficulties with your Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) bills can be stressful, especially with fluctuating energy costs. PGW understands these challenges and offers a range of assistance programs to support its customers. Among these, the Pgw Cares Program stands out as a crucial resource for those experiencing temporary financial hardship. This guide will delve into the CARES program and other valuable PGW initiatives designed to help you manage your energy bills effectively.
What is the PGW CARES Program?
The Customer Assistance Referral Evaluation Service (CARES) program is specifically designed to provide payment assistance to PGW residential customers facing unique and challenging circumstances. These circumstances can include unforeseen events that impact your financial stability, such as:
- Medical Emergencies: Unexpected medical bills can quickly strain household budgets.
- Unemployment: Job loss leads to income reduction, making it difficult to cover essential expenses like utility bills.
- Temporary Hardships: Various unforeseen situations can create temporary financial strain, impacting your ability to pay bills on time.
The CARES program offers a lifeline during these tough times, providing tailored payment solutions to help you stay on top of your PGW gas bills and avoid service disruptions. To determine if you qualify for the CARES program and to explore the specific assistance available to you, it’s essential to contact PGW directly.
Contact PGW to inquire about the CARES program: (215) 235-1000
Exploring Other PGW Payment Assistance Options
Besides the CARES program, PGW provides a comprehensive suite of programs to cater to various customer needs and financial situations. Understanding these options can help you find the most suitable assistance for your specific circumstances.
1. Budget Billing: Predictable Monthly Payments
If you’re tired of unpredictable winter heating bills, PGW’s Budget Billing program can offer a solution. This program is ideal for residential customers in good standing who want to stabilize their gas expenses throughout the year.
How Budget Billing Works:
- PGW estimates your annual gas usage based on your past consumption.
- The total estimated cost is divided into 12 equal monthly payments.
- This eliminates the seasonal spikes in your bills, providing predictable and manageable monthly payments.
Budget Billing helps you budget effectively and avoid the shock of high winter bills. To enroll in this program, contact PGW customer service.
Call PGW to enroll in Budget Billing: (215) 235-1000
2. Customer Responsibility Program (CRP): Significant Bill Reductions for Low-Income Customers
The Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) is a powerful initiative designed to significantly reduce monthly gas bills for eligible low-income customers. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, CRP can provide substantial relief.
CRP Benefits:
- Qualified low-income customers can save over 50% on their PGW bills.
- This program helps make energy more affordable for those who need it most.
To determine your eligibility and apply for CRP, visit the dedicated CRP section on the PGW website.
Explore CRP and apply online: CRP
3. LIHEAP/Crisis/Hardship Funds Grants: Emergency Financial Aid
PGW facilitates access to various grants like LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), Crisis, and Hardship Funds to offer direct financial assistance in emergency situations. These grants are crucial for:
- Low-income individuals and families facing utility service termination.
- Households with broken heating equipment needing urgent repairs.
- Customers who have already had their utility service shut off.
These grants provide a safety net, ensuring vulnerable customers can maintain essential utility services during crises. Detailed information about eligibility and application processes can be found on the PGW website.
Learn more about LIHEAP and other emergency grants: LIHEAP, Crisis, Hardship Funds Grant
4. Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF): Support for Homeowners Affected by Pandemic Hardships
The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) is a dedicated program to support homeowners facing financial challenges due to the pandemic. While not exclusively a PGW program, PAHAF can significantly help homeowners manage housing-related expenses, including utility bills.
PAHAF Key Features:
- Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 in assistance.
- Up to $10,000 can be directly applied to your PGW bill.
- Funds can cover mortgage and housing-related expenses to prevent delinquency, foreclosure, or eviction.
If you are a homeowner struggling due to pandemic-related financial hardship, exploring PAHAF is highly recommended.
Check PAHAF eligibility and apply: www.pahaf.org or call 888-987-2423.
In-Person Assistance at Neighborhood Energy Centers (NECs)
For those who prefer face-to-face interaction and personalized support, PGW’s Neighborhood Energy Centers (NECs) are invaluable resources. Visiting an NEC allows you to:
- Receive one-on-one assistance with your energy bills.
- Discuss payment options and assistance programs in person.
- Get your questions answered directly by PGW representatives.
NECs provide accessible and direct support within your community. To find the nearest NEC location, refer to the PGW website or contact customer service.
Find an NEC location near you: Click here for locations
Important Note: When visiting an NEC, please follow safety guidelines by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and using hand sanitizer.
PGW is Here to Help
Navigating payment difficulties can be overwhelming, but PGW offers a robust network of assistance programs, including the CARES program, Budget Billing, CRP, LIHEAP grants, and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out to PGW to discuss your situation and explore the best options available to you. Whether online, by phone, or in person at an NEC, PGW is committed to helping customers manage their energy bills and maintain essential services.
Contact PGW for assistance: 215-235-1000 or visit PGWorks.com.
