LIHEAP FY 2011 Benefit
Heating: $300 minimum, $1,000 maximum
LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2010 Heating)
547,000
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: November 1 - April 13
Crisis: January 3 - April 13
Utility
Low-income Rate Assistance
Pennsylvania's major gas and electric utilities are required to provide Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), which generally provide a percentage of bill plan or a percentage of income payment plan, wherein low-income customers' utility payments are based upon their incomes and/or utility bills. Some programs include utility arrearage forgiveness; others provide flat rate discounts or bill credits. Under electric and gas restructuring legislation all electric and gas utilities are required to offer universal service programs, to include CAPs, and to continue pre-restructuring low-income programs.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Mandated by a 1987 PUC order, the Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) was renewed in 1992 through 1996, and continued under universal service provisions of electric and gas utility restructuring legislation. The state's 15 major gas and electric utilities participate in LIURP with a pre-restructuring funding level of about 2/10 of one percent of each utility’s total revenues. LIURP includes an education component that addresses energy savings, regular bill payment behavior and provides application assistance.
Allegheny Power
1-800-207-1250
TDD 1-800-955-9445
CAP
Reduced monthly payment based on a percentage of the household's income. If customer is faithful to the plan, arrearages are reduced.
Waived late payment charges. Eligibility: 150%, or below, federal poverty guidelines.
LIURP
Emphasis on baseload electric measures; lighting; heating system, water heater, and refrigerator replacement.
CAP
Affordable payment plans for customers with low incomes and long-term bill payment problems. Eligibility: 150%, or below, federal poverty guidelines.
Warm Choice
A free weatherization program that first identifies an energy picture of your home and then takes action to seal up areas where heat escapes. This free program is designed for customers with low incomes and high gas usage.
Emergency Repair Fund
Offers financial assistance for the repair or replacement of natural gas furnaces, water heaters, service & house lines and space heaters serving as the primary heat source for a residential dwelling. This program is designed to address emergency situations that involve unsafe service conditions for residential heat customers with low incomes, who own and are living in their home.
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
This affordable monthly payment program permits qualified customers to pay a portion of their household income for gas service. Equitable also provides information on conservation techniques. Call 1-877-577-8735 for more information. www.equitablegas.com/payment/specialProgs/EAP.aspx?f=res
LIURP
Installation of various energy conservation measures including: attic insulation, sidewall insulation, heating equipment repair, air sealing, etc. Eligibility: EAP income guidelines, higher than average gas usage and a balance exceeding $750. Customers may own or rent their home; however, if renting, the landlord must provide written approval.
412-395-3254 www.equitablegas.com/payment/specialProgs/LIURP.aspx?f=res
Met-Ed
CAP
CAP offers a reduced bill that is based on a percentage of income, and debt forgiveness. Eligibility: at or below 150% federal poverty guidelines.
1-800-545-7741
WARM Program
Met-Ed partners with community-based organizations and energy conservation contractors who perform energy-saving home improvements and energy education for customers. Eligibility: electric heat or electric water heat, or an average electric bill of about $55 a month.
1-800-207-9276
National Fuel Gas
1-800-365-3234 or 814-871-8200
Low Income Residential Assistance Program (LIRAP)
Reduced billing based on a percentage of the household's income and arrearage forgiveness.
Elderly, Blind or Disabled Payment Troubled Residential Assistance
This program is designed to assist payment-troubled customers who are at least 62 years of age, blind or disabled. Program features include a lower monthly gas rate, debt forgiveness, emergency heating equipment repair or replacement, and conservation measures depending upon individual circumstances. www.natfuel.com/forhome/special_services.htm
Waiver of late payment charges.
LIURP
Full weatherization conservation treatments and heating system and water heater replacement.
Heating/Water Heating Repair or Replacement
Repair or replacement of faulty, hazardous or non-operational primary heating/water heating equipment. Renters are not eligible. Clients are referred by human service organizations.
CAP Rate A discounted residential tariff rate for low-income customers within the PECO service territory. There are four discounted rates available to electric and gas customers. The percentage of discount is based on the gross household income of the customer.
LIURP
Through the program, weatherization measures are installed in your home and you receive conservation education. The program is free of charge.
1-800-675-0222.
Penelec
CAP
Reduced monthly payment and arrearage forgiveness. Eligibility: at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines.
1-800-545-7741
Warm Program
Penelec partners with community-based organizations and energy conservation contractors who perform energy-saving home improvements and energy education for customers. Eligibility: electric heat or electric water heat, or an average electric bill of about $55 a month.
1-800-207-9276
Penn Power
1-800-720-3600
CAP
Participating CAP customers are placed on a payment plan that requires a regular monthly payment based on a discounted rate. Eligibility: at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines.
WARM Program
Free home energy education and weatherization assistance to help eligible low-income customers.
Pennsylvania Power & Light (PPL)
OnTrack
A special payment plan that offers reduced monthly payments, protection from shutoffs and debt forgiveness. Administered by local agencies.
1-800-342-5775
www.pplelectric.com/Residential+Customers/
WRAP
Customers may qualify for energy education, energy-efficient appliances and home weatherization services such as insulation and caulking. WRAP is administered by local agencies.
1-888-232-6302 www.pplelectric.com/Residential+Customers/
Peoples Natural Gas
CAP
Participants make affordable payments to maintain gas service by paying between 8 and 10 percent of their total monthly before tax household income each month.
If you have received a LIHEAP grant, you may be automatically eligible to participate in CAP.
Call 1-800-400-WARM (9276) for more information and to see if you qualify.
LIURP Based on income and energy usage, customers may be eligible to receive heating system retrofits, weather-stripping, caulking, insulation and other energy-saving measures.Call 1-800-764-0111 for more information.
Customer Responsibility Program
Reduced monthly billing for qualifying customers. Apply by mail or at a PGW Customer Service center year-round.
215-684-6100
Conservation Works
Services may include: diagnostic audit, energy education, energy-related home repair, thermostat with automatic clock, blower door guided shell tightening, water-heater wrap and pipe insulation, furnace filters or radiator reflectors, hot water conservation devices (if hot water heater is gas-fueled) and roof insulation. Must be enrolled in the Customer Responsibility Program.
TW Phillips Gas & Oil Co.
1-800-222-5101
Energy Help Fund
The program includes benefits such as rate discounts and opportunities to reduce past due balances as timely monthly payments are made. To be eligible, household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
UGI Central Penn Gas (formerly PPL Gas)
Customer Assistance Program (CAP) The CAP offers a monthly payment based on a percentage of your household gross income, household size and usage at the property. In most cases, this program will help make UGI bills more affordable. When CAP bills are paid on or before the due date, the difference between the amount billed and the actual amount used may be forgiven.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/CAP
LIURP
Free weatherization to qualifying low income residential customers. This could include insulation, thermal improvements of doors and/or windows, infiltration reduction, an energy efficient appliance, and high efficiency lighting.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/LIURP
UGI Penn Natural Gas
1-800-844-9276
Customer Assistance Program (CAP) The CAP offers a monthly payment based on a percentage of your household gross income, household size and usage at the property. In most cases, this program will help make UGI bills more affordable. When CAP bills are paid on or before the due date, the difference between the amount billed and the actual amount used may be forgiven.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/CAP
LIURP
Free weatherization to qualifying low income residential customers. This could include insulation, thermal improvements of doors and/or windows, infiltration reduction, an energy efficient appliance, and high efficiency lighting.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/LIURP
UGI Utilities Inc. - Electric Division
1-800-844-9276
Customer Assistance Program (CAP) The CAP offers a monthly payment based on a percentage of your household gross income, household size and usage at the property. In most cases, this program will help make UGI bills more affordable. When CAP bills are paid on or before the due date, the difference between the amount billed and the actual amount used may be forgiven.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/CAP
LIURP
Free weatherization to qualifying low income residential customers. This could include insulation, thermal improvements of doors and/or windows, infiltration reduction, an energy efficient appliance, and high efficiency lighting.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/LIURP
UGI Utilities Inc. - Gas Division
1-800-844-9276
Customer Assistance Program (CAP) The CAP offers a monthly payment based on a percentage of your household gross income, household size and usage at the property. In most cases, this program will help make UGI bills more affordable. When CAP bills are paid on or before the due date, the difference between the amount billed and the actual amount used may be forgiven.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/CAP
LIURP
Offers free energy conservation measures to high usage, low-income households to help make energy bills more affordable. Possible energy saving measures can include ceiling insulation, floor, duct and hot water pipe insulation, caulking and weather-stripping, gas heater repairs and water flow restrictors. You must be a residential UGI customers at the same address for at least 12 months before you can qualify for these services. www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/LIURP
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Dollar Energy Hardship Fund
The $1 Energy Fund, Inc. was founded in 1983 in Western Pennsylvania by a coalition of concerned community, religious, and business leaders, and has grown to become the fourth largest fuel fund in the country, both in clients served and dollars granted. The fund partners with utility companies across Pennsylvania. Each company matches every donation dollar for dollar and makes a separate donation towards administrative expenses. Applicants should contact their local community action agency. www.dollarenergy.org/
Philadelphia Utility Emergency Services Fund
The Philadelphia Utility Emergency Services Fund is one of the largest fuel funds in the country, providing over $2 million annually in energy crisis assistance benefits in recent years. It was created by utility companies, public officials, business leaders, and community organizations in response to increased terminations of gas, electric, and water service coupled with inadequate LIHEAP benefits. Philadelphia's three major utilities (gas, electric and water) provide a dollar-for-dollar match to every dollar raised and contribute to the fund's operating costs. Individuals can access the Utility Grant Program at any one of the UESF Intake Sites, and at the UESF Central Office. At these sites, they can also receive access to a vast array of other energy, energy related, and other services.
http://www.uesfacts.org/utility-grant-program.html
National Fuel Gas
Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund
The fund is supported by customer, employee and shareholder donations that are used for cash grants to prevent disconnection of utility service, pay current or past due energy bills or purchase home heating fuel of any kind. Eligible customers include seniors 55 years or older and households with a member that has a handicap or disability that reduces household income. Applications are screened and grants are administered by human service organizations from the 14 Northwestern Pennsylvania counties.
1-800-365-3234 or 814-871-8200 www.natfuel.com/forhome/PaymentAssistance.htm
PECO
Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF)
MEAF is an energy assistance program that enables PECO Energy to assist low-income, residential customers in its service territory with bill payment. MEAF is a customer pledge program in which PECO matches customer contributions.
1-800-774-7040 www.peco.com/CustomerService/AssistancePrograms/Pages/default.aspx
PPL
Operation Help
Funds may be used to pay any type of home heating bill (electric, natural gas, oil or coal). Funding comes from PPL, its customers, its employees and retirees. A network of 16 community groups and social service agencies across eastern and central Pennsylvania administers the program, interviews applicants and distributes funds.
1-800-342-5775 www.pplelectric.com/Residential+Customers/
Pennsylvania Power Company Reach Hardship Fund
The fund is supported by employee and customer contributions that are matched with corporate funds. Payments are made directly to energy vendors of low-income customers to help with energy bills. The funds are administered by the Salvation Army.
1-800-720-3600
UGI Central Penn Gas (formerly PPL Gas)
Operation SHARE
UGI employee and company donations are distributed to payment-troubled customers to reduce bill arrearage or for emergency fuel and/or heating repair or replacement. Community based organizations throughout UGI’s service territory administer the funds.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/Operation_Share
UGI Penn Natural Gas
Operation Share
UGI employee and company donations are distributed to payment-troubled customers to reduce bill arrearage or for emergency fuel and/or heating repair or replacement. Community based organizations throughout UGI’s service territory administer the funds.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/Operation_Share
UGI Utilities, Inc. Electric Division
Operation Share
Through UGI's Operation Share, customers can help troubled families meet their energy needs. For every $2 donated, UGI adds another $1 of funding, up to $4000 per year. The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) administers the program and determines eligibility for assistance.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/Operation_Share
UGI Utilities, Inc. Gas Division
Operation Share
UGI employee and company donations are distributed to payment-troubled customers to reduce bill arrearage or for emergency fuel and/or heating repair or replacement. Community based organizations throughout UGI’s service territory administer the funds.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/portal/page/portal/UGI/Account_Services/Operation_Share
Adams Electric Cooperative
Project Helping Hand
Customer donations help less fortunate co-op members who are unable to pay their electric bills.
1-888-232-6732 www.adamsec.com/projecthelpinghand.aspx
Central Electric Cooperative
Family Fund Energy Assistance Program
Funds from members, employees and Cooperative matching funds assist member-families with heating bills.
Allegheny County – Department of Human Services: 412-350-3911
Armstrong County – Community Action Office: 724-548-3405
Butler County – The Salvation Army: 724-287-5532
Clarion County – Charitable Deeds: 814-797-0286
Forest County –- Information & Referral Service 800-222-1706
Venango County – Office of Economic Opportunity: 814-432-9767 www.central.coop/account-center/energy-assistance/
Centre County Fuel Bank
For more information on how to get help paying for your heating oil, call the Centre County Community Help Line at 1-800-494-2500.
Citizen's Electric
$ Energy Fund
Eligible families must apply for all available energy assistance grants before applying to the $1 Energy Fund, and meet the grant program guidelines that include making a sincere effort of payment. Applications for the $1 Energy funds are available at the Citizens' Electric Company office, 1775 Industrial Blvd. in Lewisburg. www.citizenselectric.com/DollarEnergy.asp
Claverack Electric Cooperative
Operation Round-Up
Members donations help low-income and in-need families in Claverack service territory. Contact the fund administrator, your county's Energy Assistance Office for application.
1-800-326-9799 or 570-265-2167 www.claverack.com/content/operation-roundup
Montgomery County
An emergency fuel fund for eligible seniors and disabled offers one-time payments when all other programs cannot resolve an emergency. The Montgomery County Office of Aging and Adult Services (AAS) will begin taking calls about the program and screening applicants after November 3. Those applying to the program should call the AAS office at 610-278-3601.
New Enterprise REC
Family In Need Fund
Member donations provide assistance to families in need. The Center for Community Action determines eligibility for these funds.
814-766-3221 ext. 224 www.newenterpriserec.com/familyinneed.aspx
Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative
Member to Member
Member donations are matched by the Co-op and the funds will be used to help benefit members who are struggling to pay their electric bill. The agencies listed below accept applications and determine who qualifies.
Erie County
St. Martins Center
Union City Family Support Center
1-814-438-7550
Venango & Forest Counties
American Red Cross
Warren County
Associated Charities
Mercer County
Center for Family Services
Crawford County
Western - Center for Family Services
Eastern - Associated Charities
REA Energy Cooperative
Members Sharing With Members Fund
Member donations provide assistance to cooperative members who may be faced with an unexpected loss of income due to illness, family emergency, or other situation which may limit their ability to pay their electric bills.
724-349-4800 or 800-211-5667 www.reaenergy.com/content/operation-round
Spring City and Royersford
Project Outreach
A one-time-per-year emergency assistance program for Spring City and Royersford residents will provide up to 150 gallons of oil per household to residents. Project Outreach has no set guidelines.
610-948-5111
Wellsboro Electric Company
$ Energy Fund
Provides grants to low income residential customers for electric bills. To qualify for assistance, certain guidelines must be met:
Eligible customers must apply for all available assistance grants before appling to the $1 Energy Fund
They must meet the grant program guidelines, including making a sincere effort of payment (at least $100 on their account in the last 90 days).
Applicants must have a balance on their utility bill of at least $100.
