Programs and Tips to Help with your winter utility bills

Lowering Temperatures, Rising Utility Costs
It’s a beautiful time of year! The leaves are changing, the wind is getting chilly, and mosquitoes are disappearing for the season! But with these lower temperatures, and Philadelphia projected to see a colder winter than the last couple of years, Philadelphians need to begin preparing now so they are ready for increased electricity and gas bills. As we see these colder weeks and months approach us, knowledge about what to do if your utility bills get too expensive is crucial. In this article, we'll share some energy saving tips, and inform you of the Utility Bill Assistance Programs across Philadelphia that can help dramatically lower your bills and avoid shut offs.

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Utility Bill Assistance Programs

Energy
LIHEAP Cash and Crisis Grants
Philadelphians making under $23,475 for individuals and $48,225 for a family of four are eligible for the Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program offers a 1 time cash grant of $200-$1000 directly to your utility company/fuel provider.

LIHEAP also offers Crisis Grants, where households can apply for upwards of $1000 to go towards payments to reverse or prevent a service termination. Or they can be used for heating system repair or replacement in the event of an untimely issue.

LIHEAP usually operates between November and April, but due to the ongoing government shutdown, the application portal is late to open. Advocates are hopeful it will open by December 3rd, and AHCOPA will share updates about this. 

PECO: CAP-PIPP
PECO customers making under $23,475 for individuals and $48,225 for a family of four are eligible for their Customer Assistance Program - Percentage of Income Payment Plan (CAP-PIPP). This program offers payment plan options, as well as past-due balance forgiveness for first-time enrollees. The CAP-PIPP program also offers assistance for households with no verifiable income.

Anyone enrolled in PECO’s CAP program cannot have their service terminated due to nonpayment as of November 1st.

Gas
PGW: CRP
Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) offers a Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) that provides a scale based monthly payment program. PGW customers with a household income under $23,475 for individuals, or $48,225 for a family of four, will pay a maximum of 6% of their monthly income towards their PGW bill.

With the uncertainty around when LIHEAP will start this year, PGW has committed to not shutting off gas for anyone enrolled in the CRP program.

Water
PWD: TAP
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) offers a Tiered Assistance Program (TAP), similar to PGW. They also offer specific hardship assistance programs, if your income exceeds the TAP limits. This program establishes a reduced fixed monthly bill based on your income, as well as offering eventual debt forgiveness, shutoff protections, and free water conservation services.

Raise Your Hand
The city of Philadelphia provides a 30-day window of protection to avoid a water shutoff if your household includes anyone younger than 18, older than 65, or someone with health issues. This is a fully opt-in program, with very little documentation needed to be eligible.

Heater Repairs
ECA’s Heater Hotline
The Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) offers Heating Repair services. If you are eligible for any of the programs above, and own your own home, your house’s heating system is eligible for repair. Repairs include appliances like oil burners, gas valves, thermostats and heating controls, chimney and flue, circulators and blowers, as well as heating pipes. Call the Heater Hotline to get started! 215-568-7190

Additional Services
For any additional services or questions, find your nearest Neighborhood Energy Center. These centers will give you more information about the programs listed here, as well as other programs such as Hardship Funds, Veterans, Senior Citizen, and Special Needs programs, home programs, and many others!
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Additional Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill This Winter

In addition to the customer programs offered by utility companies, there are small things anyone can do at home to lower their heating costs. Check out these energy efficiency tips:

• Make sure to check windows and doors for any leaks, and use caulk or weather stripping to patch gaps in windows or attics. Even just a rolled up towel at the base of an exterior door can help.
  • For serious DIYers, check out the quality of the insulation in your attic and walls!
• Set your thermostat about 5-10 degrees lower whenever you leave the house.
  • Using a smart thermostat can help automatically set times and heating to more efficient standards.
• Try to avoid using space heaters, and when you do, use efficient space heaters like infrared or oil-fitted heaters!
  • 33% of home heating fires are caused by space heaters. And 77% of those fires result in death.
  • If you use one, plug it into a grounded outlet, not an extension cord. And make sure to turn them off when you’re not in the room.
• Check your fire alarm and carbon monoxide batteries.
  • The winter sees an increase in house fires, and with your gas running more often, you want to make sure you’re alerted just in case.
• Bleed your Radiators.
  • You can tell if your radiator needs to be bled if the top is significantly cooler than the rest of the unit.
• Replace your AC filters.
  • Shelf lives can vary based on the thickness of the filter or if they are washable or not.
• Close vents in rooms that aren’t used often and make sure furniture is not covering vents that are in use.
  • This will help cycle the heat to the rooms that need it.
• Switch your fans counterclockwise to cycle hot air.
  • The fan will be able to push the hot air that sits on the ceiling down to the floor.
• Schedule yearly heating maintenance, if able.
  • Some programs will offer assistance for repair costs or fees!

Read more Energy Saving Tips: Department of Energy Fall and Winter Weatherization Guide

Remember, if you are struggling with the high cost of utilities and need assistance, there are programs and organizations designed to help you. Stay safe this winter, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help!

Michael iwan

Michael serves at AHCOPA as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Housing Action Corps