STACK: PROGRAM ENSURES PGW CUSTOMERS GET RECONNECTION SERVICES

PHILADEPHIA, DEC. 10, 2007: Philadelphia natural gas customers whose service was terminated this year can be reconnected through a state-funded program, according to state Sen. Mike Stack.

Last winter, more than 1,500 homes had service restored through the program, which is funded by a continuing state grant program and managed through the cooperative efforts of Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) and the Neighborhood Energy Centers.

The initiative includes an outreach effort, led by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), to identify PGW customers who are without service and make them aware of the available aid.

“Expenses have risen considerably this year, from gas at the pump to groceries, and even moderate-income families struggle to balance the costs of necessities and utilities,” Stack said. “Many PGW customers who had their natural gas shut off this year will have their service reconnected, thanks to this program.”

Representatives from the Neighborhood Energy Centers will be contacting residents who currently do not have natural gas service to make them aware of this reconnection program.
From April until the beginning of December, when PGW is permitted to shut off service for non-payment, some low- and moderate-income people lose service to their homes. Then, as the weather turns colder, these customers find that the $123 reconnection fee, combined with the rising cost of home winter heating bills, presents a major financial challenge.

Residents who have not been contacted but think they may qualify for this program can call PGW at 215-235-1000. To locate a local Neighborhood Energy Center, visit PGW’s Web site at www.pgworks.com, click the “Assistance Programs” link, then click the “Neighborhood Energy Centers” link.

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