PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starting today, low-income Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) customers can text the word FAST to the number 75308 to see if they qualify for a free LIHEAP grant of up to $1,000. LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federal grant that helps low-income households pay their winter heating bills. Grants range from $200 to $1,000, are based on a customer’s income and household size, and DO NOT have to be repaid.
In Philadelphia, still the poorest large city in America, more than 85 percent of the city’s homes use natural gas for heating. That means more than 150,000 PGW residential customers are eligible for LIHEAP. For these customers, paying for winter heat accounts for a much bigger portion of their total income, often leaving little left over for other necessities.
“LIHEAP exists to help our low-income neighbors pay for vital home heat, in the winter,” said Barry O’Sullivan, director of corporate communications at PGW. “It’s a free grant, and it can mean not having to choose between warmth and other basic needs. However, LIHEAP funds are limited. Grants are given on a first come, first served basis, so we are urging people to apply now, before cold weather hits. And with our texting service it’s easy, fast and hassle-free: just text FAST to 75308.”
To apply, customers can:
- Text FAST to 75308.
- Call (215) 235-1000 and ask to have an application mailed to them.
- Visit one of PGW’s six Customer Service Centers.
- Print an application (in English or Spanish) from pgworks.com/liheap
About PGW:
Founded in 1836, The Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is owned by the City of Philadelphia and is the largest municipally owned gas utility in the country. It manages a distribution system of approximately 6,000 miles of gas mains and service pipes supplying approximately 500,000 customers. PGW's operations are managed by a non-profit corporation, the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation (PFMC). More information about the company is available at www.pgworks.com.
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