Pennsylvania Delays LIHEAP Amid Federal Shutdown, Resources Available

Pennsylvania’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will be delayed until December 3, 2023, due to the federal government shutdown. This suspension has postponed the allocation of millions of dollars in federal funding that the state relies on to assist residents with their heating bills, fuel purchases, and heater repairs. Governor Josh Shapiro announced on November 1, 2023, that Pennsylvania utility companies have agreed not to terminate services for low-income customers during November, providing some relief during this period of uncertainty.

Despite the temporary protection from disconnections, many customers still face potential service terminations when the winter moratorium ends in spring. Importantly, those who rely on fuel oil for heating do not benefit from these protections. As such, state utility regulators are advising residents experiencing financial difficulties to contact their utility providers promptly to explore available assistance options and payment plans.

Resources for Energy Bill Support

With the LIHEAP delay, residents are encouraged to seek alternative resources to manage their energy costs. Below are some options available to Pennsylvania residents:

**Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)**
The ECA operates a heater hotline for free repairs of broken gas, electric, or fuel oil heaters. For those needing heater replacements, the agency forwards applications to the city’s Basic Systems Repair Program.
**Eligibility:** Single-family homeowners with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level—approximately $23,475 annually for an individual or $48,225 for a family of four.
**Contact:** Call 215-568-7190 for assistance.

**PECO’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP)**
PECO offers a program that caps bills at a percentage of the household income, with minimum payments set at $10 for electricity and $20 for gas or electric heating. Customers enrolling for the first time can have previous overdue bills forgiven.
**Eligibility:** Households earning at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
**Application:** Online or by contacting PECO at 1-800-774-7040.

**PECO’s Customer Relief Fund**
This initiative provides grants of up to $750 to customers with overdue balances, valid until December 31, 2023. The past-due balance must not exceed $2,500.
**Eligibility:** Households with incomes between 151% and 300% of the federal poverty level.
**Application:** Apply online via the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

**Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) Customer Responsibility Program**
This program can reduce gas bills by up to 50% and offers the possibility of forgiving past-due bills. PGW has assured that it will not disconnect service during November for customers involved in this program or those who applied for LIHEAP early this year.
**Eligibility:** Households with income no greater than $23,475 for individuals or $48,225 for families of four.
**Application:** Apply online through PGW’s My Account portal.

Additional Assistance Programs

**PGW’s Cares Program**
This program aids customers facing temporary hardships, such as medical emergencies or job losses.
**Contact:** Call PGW at 215-235-1000 for more information.

**PECO’s Matching Energy Assistance Fund**
This fund offers grants to erase past-due balances to prevent or restore service.
**Eligibility:** Households earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
**Application:** Apply in person at designated agencies, such as the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) in Philadelphia.

**PGW’s Hardship Fund**
Providing grants of up to $1,500, this fund assists customers who have received termination notices or currently have their gas service shut off. Customers must also apply for LIHEAP when it becomes available.
**Eligibility:** Incomes at or below 175% of the federal poverty level.
**Application:** Apply in person at specific Neighborhood Energy Centers.

**Salvation Army Assistance**
In lower Bucks County, the Salvation Army’s Levittown Corps offers up to $500 in utility assistance for households at risk of disconnection.
**Contact:** Call 215-945-0717 to schedule an appointment with a caseworker.

**Emergency Fund for Older Adults**
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging provides emergency funds to older adults who have exhausted other resources, assisting with heating oil or utility shutoffs.
**Contact:** Call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 for more information.

Residents are urged to take proactive steps to secure assistance before the winter season, as the moratorium on utility shutoffs for low-income customers begins on December 1, 2023. Utility companies across Pennsylvania have committed to suspending shutoffs early due to the impacts of the federal government shutdown, as noted by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.