With winter over, PGW urges customers at risk for shut-off to seek help

The Philadelphia Gas Works is urging customers with unpaid bills to get help.

PGW spokesman Barry O’Sullivan said low income customers delinquent on their gas bill have until Friday to apply for a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant.

“During the cold weather period we have what’s called a Cold Weather Moratorium and we do not shut off service to any of our customers,” said O’Sullivan. “We think we have a social responsibility to provide that service right through the coldest of the winter months. Luckily this winter was milder than most so bills might not be as high as they might be in other years for our customers. But we’re exiting that cold weather moratorium now.”

O’Sullivan said because of the economic conditions more people are struggling to pay their bills than in the past. He said people who can’t find work and who fear losing their jobs, are not paying their bills out of desperation.

PGW is launching a new “Helpability” campaign to provide customers with information to help with unpaid bills and service termination notices.