Pennsylvania
FY 2012/2013 Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal | Utility | Charitable
Federal
LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 1-866-857-7095; TDD 1-800-451-5886
Website: www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap/index.htm
LIHEAP Administering Agency Contact
County Assistance Office Contact Information
Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Website
LIHEAP FY 2013 Funding (Initial Release under the Continuing Resolution)
$184,641,750
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
150% Federal Poverty Guidelines
LIHEAP FY 2013 Benefit
Heating: $100 minimum, $1,000 maximum
Crisis: $25 minimum, $400 maximum
LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2010 Heating)
547,000
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: November 1 - March 29
Crisis: January 2 - April 26
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.
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
1-800-537-7431
www.directlinkeservices.com/nisource/portal/pa/
- 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.
Duquesne Light
- Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
Payment reduction based on percentage of household income and arrearage forgiveness. More information is available on Duquesne's website. To apply, call 1-888-393-7600 and a Duquesne Light representative will provide the name and telephone number of the CAP agency nearest you. - Smart Comfort
Energy audit, free weatherization measures, energy education and services and measures to reduce your electric use and lower your monthly bill. 1. Call Smart Comfort at 1-866-282-3147. When you call, please have the following information available: your 13-digit Duquesne Light account number (upper right on bill); monthly and/or yearly income of all household members and; the phone number(s) at which you can be reached. More information is available on Duquesne's website.
Equitable Gas of Pennsylvania
- 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
- Low Income Residential Assistance Program (LIRAP)
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive a discount between 10% - 70% off of the regular residential rate determined by household size and income. You can also receive matching debt forgiveness for timely bill payments up to 24 months. Call 1-800-365-3234 for more information. - LIURP
Full weatherization conservation treatments and heating system and water heater replacement. LIURP includes an education component that addresses energy savings, regular bill payment behavior and provides application assistance. LIURP includes an education component that addresses energy savings, regular bill payment behavior and provides application assistance. For more information call 814-871-8200 in the Erie area and 1-800-365-3234 in other areas.
PECO
1-800-774-7040
www.peco.com/CustomerService/AssistancePrograms/Pages/default.aspx
- 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)
Payment Assistance
- OnTrack
A special payment plan that offers reduced monthly payments, protection from shutoffs and debt forgiveness. Administered by local agencies.
1-800-358-6623 - 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
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.
Philadelphia Gas Works
215-684-6100
www.pgworks.com/index.asp?NID=103
- 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/Customer_Services/Assist_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/Customer_Services/Assist_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/Customer_Services/Assist_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/Customer_Services/Assist_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/Customer_Services/Assist_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/Customer_Services/Assist_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/Customer_Services/Assist_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/Customer_Services/Assist_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. Call your local community service agency for assistance and check the website below for more information.
www.nationalfuelgas.com/forhome/PA/PaymentAssistance.aspx
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
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/Operation_Share/Get_Assistance
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/Operation_Share/Get_Assistance
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/Operation_Share/Get_Assistance
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/Operation_Share/Get_Assistance
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/content/project-helping-hand
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
For more information about these services, contact Consumer Services at 800-352-0014. www.northwesternrec.com/myCoop/programsAndSolutions/consumerServices/MembertoMemberCS.aspx
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.
Applications for aid through the $1 Energy Fund will be available at the Wellsboro Electric Office.
570-724-3516
www.wellsboroelectric.com/weco/dollarNrgFnd.asp