KITCHEN: PROGRAM ENSURES THAT FAMILIES ARE NOT LEFT IN THE COLD

            PHILADEPHIA, December 10: Philadelphia natural gas customers whose service was terminated can be reconnected, thanks to a state-funded program, according to state Sen. Shirley Kitchen.

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.

“I’m so pleased that this program is once again open to Philadelphians in need,” she said. “No one should be left in the cold, simply because they had to choose other necessities over natural gas this year.”

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.

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.

“There is a common misconception that customers have their gas service shut off simply because they didn’t feel like paying their bill. This is simply not true in many cases,” Kitchen said. “Unfortunately, many low- and moderate-income families and older Philadelphians had to choose other bills, groceries or prescription medicine over natural gas. Now that winter is setting in, these individuals must be cared for.”

            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.